The Guest

2 Pages 457 Words

The Road To Existentialism
Isolation is a state of separation: a physical or emotional separation from one’s

surroundings. In Albert Camus’, “The Guest” the main character is isolated in his

environment as well as his relations with others that come into his life. The imagery and

descriptive style of the story demonstrate the underlying theme of isolation, as well as

the main character, Daru’s existential traits.

The vastness and simplicity of the setting creates a perfect environment for an

Existentialist: one who stresses the need for complete freedom and isolation from all

that surrounds him. When the story begins, the readers are pulled into the “vast expanse

of the high, deserted plateau” (1246). The region is described as “cruel to live in, even

without men” (1298). The landscape consists of snow covered rocks and a

dark, dull sky. Although Daru is a teacher, he is alone in his schoolhouse due to heavy

snow. He takes comfort in his “white washed walls, his narrow couch, his unpainted

shelves” (1248) which showcase the blandness, the coldness of his nature.

Daru’s solitude is interrupted by a prisoner whom he must deliver to jail the

following day. He does not seem threatened by having a murderer sleep near him, but

more so by the fact that there is another being in Daru’s presence. He is hospitable and

kind, yet keeps his distance from the prisoner and barely communicates with him. At

night, Daru lies awake, in the silence that “seemed painful to him” (1252). On the day of

their departure, Daru decides to let the prisoner take his trip alone. Although it appears

that Daru has the prisoner in mind, he just yearns to go back to his solitude and not be

forced with a moral decision and have the responsibility of delivering the prisoner. As

Daru heads back to his solemn schoolhouse he “fe...