Tuesday, October 8, 2013

An Uncomfortable Sleepover

    In his short story entitled “The Guest” , Albert Camus conveys the difficulty one faces when they are stuck between following orders, and doing what they believe is right. He expresses this difficult decision through the character known as Daru, or the schoolmaster, and must decide to go against orders and let the prisoner, who he feels is a good man, go free, or follow orders and turn him over to the authorities. Camus also shows the reader the selfishness and selflessness people exhibit when it comes to their well being.  
    When Daru first encounters the Arab prisoner, he is being told by Balducci that he must deliver him to the authorities in a nearby town. Daru is hesitant, his job isn’t transporting prisoners and he uncomfortable in doing so. He becomes adamant with Balducci about his decision, “That’s right. Repeat to them what I have said to you: I won’t hand him over”. This shows Daru independence and willingness to defy orders for what he believes is right, which is the message that Camus is trying to get across to the reader. The officer then states that he doesn’t really care what Daru does, he had done his job and will report that the prisoner was handed over to him. He then goes on to say that he will sell out Daru if he chooses not to follow orders and the prisoner never shows up.
    Once Balducci leaves, however, Daru begins to second guess what he said to Balducci as he left. He wonders about the consequences that will result if he refuses to turn the prisoner over. Also he becomes wary of this prisoner staying with him over night in this secluded area. Even with all this conflict taking place in his mind, Daru still treats the prisoner with respect. This respect must have an effect on the prisoner's trust with Daru, because when the prisoner has a chance to attempt an escape, or eliminate Daru, he chooses not too. This furthers Daru’s difficult decision of what to do with the prisoner.
    When the time comes to make a decision, Daru is still unsure of what to do with the prisoner, so he gives the prisoner his opinions. He gives him two days worth of food a points him east which would be his way to prison, and then points him south which would be his way towards freedom. He decides to not follow orders and let the Arab choose for himself what his fate may be. When he turns back to look to see what the road he has chosen he “made out the Arab walking slowly on the road towards prison”. The prisoner chooses to take the road to prison. He knows that if he doesn’t show up their the authorities will then go after Daru for not obeying orders. It’s an unprecedented act of unselfishness that Daru greatly admires.

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