Free Essays on The Guest

The Road To Existentialism Isolation is a state of separation: a physical or emotional separation from one’s surroundings. In Albert Camus’, â€Å"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 â€Å"vast expanse of the high, deserted plateau† (1246). The region is described as â€Å"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 â€Å"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 â€Å"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 â€Å"fe... Free Essays on The Guest Free Essays on The Guest The Road To Existentialism Isolation is a state of separation: a physical or emotional separation from one’s surroundings. In Albert Camus’, â€Å"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 â€Å"vast expanse of the high, deserted plateau† (1246). The region is described as â€Å"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 â€Å"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 â€Å"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 â€Å"fe...