"The Guest" was my introduction to existentialist author Albert Camus. Before my reading, I was familiar only with the well-known existentialists: Kafka, Nietzsche, and Dostoyevsky. Camus' story is by far my favorite existentialist work (I don't consider myself a fan of existentialism), as the main character is relatable to me.
The reason I enjoyed "The Guest" was the moral dilemma Daru was forced to face. As an empathetic person, I completely understand the position he was in. Why turn in a man who has done something that somebody else says is wrong when you have no opinion one way or the other? Daru has no obligations to either side in the revolution, making it unfair to ask him to condemn a prisoner or choose to defy the orders given. Either way, Daru is forced to make a decision he absolutely does not want to make. One of the author's themes seems to be the idea that the only decision that can't be made is the choice not to make a decision. As much as Daru tries not decide one way or the other, he essentially chooses to give the prisoner his freedom by allowing the prisoner himself to choose.
As for the reason the prisoner chooses prison over freedom, there are many potential options. Some have suggested that the prisoner himself believed that he deserved his punishment. Others believe that the prisoner wants to ensure the safety of his family and loved ones by turning himself in. After reading "The Guest", it is my belief that the prisoner chose to turn himself in because he didn't want the responsibility of leading an Arab rebellion against the French. Sanducci tells Daru early on that the prisoner's village is beginning to stir and wants him back, which led me to believe that the prisoner was an important figure in the rebellion. However, throughout the story he seems to be voluntarily submissive to both Sanducci and Daru, rather than a rebel as we have been led to believe. In my opinion, the prisoner chooses prison because he thinks that as a free man, he will become a symbol of rebellion throughout Algeria.
"The Guest" was a truly enjoyable read for me. I found it to be an excellent example of the moral dilemmas that arise in times of war and rebellion, although I hope never to be forced to consider such a dilemma firsthand.
Brian, I definitely agree with your interpretation of the prisoner’s choice to continue on towards his punishment. He seems to be just as reluctant to make decisions as Daru. He simply decides that he doesn’t want the responsibility of deciding his future or the future of others so he continues along the path of least resistance and heads toward prison.
ReplyDelete