The Guest | Essays and Criticism

  • Overview of ‘The Guest’

    Burch has taught at Southeastern Louisiana University and at the University of Michigan. In the following essay, she examines ‘‘The Guest’’ in relation to Camus’s philosophical ideas and with reference to postcolonial criticism.

  • Albert Camus’s ‘The Guest’: A New Look at the Prisoner

    In the following excerpt, Griem examines the Arab’s character in Camus’s ‘‘The Guest,’’ and contends that he is acting in accordance with his own cultural norms and codes.

  • Exile from the Kingdom: A Political Rereading of Albert Camus

    In the following excerpt, Tarrow offers an interpretation of Camus’ ‘‘The Guest,’’ particularly in regard to the motifs of Colonialism and the character of Daru. Tarrow also examines Camus’ use of imagery.

  • The Symbolic Decor of ‘The Guest’

    In the following excerpt, which originally appeared in the French Review in February 1973, Fortier assesses the symbolic value of Camus’s descriptions of nature in ‘‘The Guest.’’

  • Camus’ ‘The Guest’: A Subtle and Difficult Story

    In the following excerpt, Perrine gives an overview of Camus’ ‘‘The Guest’’ and discusses common misinterpretations of the story.