Themes: Alienation
A sense of isolation pervades “The Guest.” The protagonist, Daru, is first introduced as the sole inhabitant of a remote schoolhouse set atop a rocky plateau. The landscape is vast and largely barren, especially in light of the recent drought, which left many of the already-impoverished inhabitants of the surrounding villages struggling for food. However, rather than feeling disconnected or alienated by his surroundings, Daru seems to draw comfort from the vast and untamable landscape. Although life on the plateau is coarse and unforgiving, Daru regards “the solitary expanse where nothing had any connection with man” as home, comfortable with his place in an uncaring universe.
However, the end of the story forces Daru to deal with a different form of alienation: by refusing to choose how to treat the Arab man, he has alienated himself from everything and everyone around him—even his sense of morality. He has insulted Balducci, made an enemy of the local Arab population, and found himself utterly “alone” within the “vast landscape he had loved so much.” Even though Daru seemingly succeeded in avoiding the devastating choice placed in front of him, he must face the consequences of his inaction, resulting in a newfound—and deeply unsettling—distance between himself and the rest of the world.
Expert Q&A
Daru's moral dilemma and decision-making process regarding the Arab prisoner in "The Guest."
Daru's moral dilemma in "The Guest" revolves around his struggle between duty and personal ethics. He is torn between following orders to hand over the Arab prisoner and his belief in individual freedom. Ultimately, Daru decides to give the prisoner the choice to escape or surrender, reflecting his internal conflict and his desire to respect the prisoner's autonomy.
What role does isolation play in "The Guest"?
Isolation in "The Guest" plays a crucial role, manifesting in physical, social, and existential forms. Daru is physically isolated at the schoolhouse, socially isolated due to limited interactions, and psychologically alienated, feeling like an outsider everywhere. His attempts to navigate an absurd world further his isolation, as he must choose between conflicting loyalties without clear guidance. This isolation reflects the broader human condition of existential solitude in a universe perceived as indifferent.
Why does Daru in "The Guest" feel empty and vulnerable?
Daru feels empty and vulnerable because he has broken off his friendship with Balducci by refusing to follow orders and turn over the prisoner. Daru has lost a human connection that he had previously retained even in his isolation, and he now has to rely fully on himself and face the consequences of his decision.
In "The Guest," why might it be relevant that the prisoner is only referred to as "the Arab"?
What does this phrase from "The Guest" by Albert Camus mean: "Daru felt a sudden wrath against the man, against all men with their rotten spite, their tireless hates, their blood lust."
The phrase reflects Daru's frustration and anger at the senseless violence and hatred among men, exacerbated by his role in the conflict between France and the Arabs. It highlights his resentment towards being forced into a position where he must make a moral choice he wishes to avoid. Daru's internal conflict mirrors Camus's own refusal to take sides in the Algerian struggle, emphasizing the futility and destructiveness of human enmity.
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