The Guest Group

Question:

ssskkk12
ssskkk12
Student
High School - 11th Grade

In "The Guest", why does Daru give the prisoner his freedom? What reasons are there for not giving him his freedom?

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Posted by ssskkk12 on Monday November 3, 2008 at 1:55 PM and tagged with anaylsis, characters, short stories, summary, the guest, the guest by albert camus.

Answers:


  1. ladyvols1 Teacher
    High School - 9th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Daru is told by Balducci that the Head officer could not spare him long enough to escort the Arab prisoner all the way to the French authorities.  Balducci tels Daru it will be up to him to complete the transfer of the prisoner.  Daru does not want to do this because he doesn't feel it is his job.  Daru also does not wish to take sides against the Albanians until he has to choose to fight for France.  Daru doesn't want to be involved in this messy business.

    A good reason for Daru to do as he is asked is that the French government is expecting him to follow their orders.  He is being handed a responsibility and should fulfill that responsibility even if it is an unpleasant thought.  His refusal could look like a betrayal to the French.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/guest/characters
    http://www.enotes.com/guest/part-1-summary-arrival
    http://www.enotes.com/guest/themes

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    Posted by ladyvols1 on Monday November 3, 2008 at 5:08 PM

  2. vonz
    vonz Student
    High School - 12th Grade

    just a clarification, its algerian not albanian :)

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    Posted by vonz on Friday November 14, 2008 at 5:24 PM