What does Tarrou symbolize in the plague?

What does Tarrou symbolize in the plague?

He does not believe in God, so he does not believe in the illusion of an intrinsic rational and moral meaning in death, suffering, and human existence. Tarrou contributes to the anti-plague effort in accordance with his code of ethics.

Why did Tarrou die?

When Tarrou falls ill with the plague, Rieux and his mother care for him. Tarrou vows to fight for his life, but he asks that Rieux be entirely truthful with him about his condition. Despite a hard struggle against the plague, Tarrou dies after several days.

Why does Tarrou want to become a saint?

He sought inner peace by becoming his own moral sentry so as not to bring harm to others. During the chronicle his goal was to become, although he was an atheist, a saint. He sought an innocence impossible to achieve, quite a different kind of impossible absurdity than Rieux sought.

What is the plague a symbol of?

The plague comes to represent other sources of suffering and alienation. First and foremost, it is an allegory for the rise of Nazi Germany and the suffering that happened during World War II.

What does Rieux’s wife suffer from?

At the beginning of the novel, Rieux’s wife, who has been ill for a year, leaves for a sanatorium. It is Rieux who treats the first victim of plague and first uses the word plague to describe the disease.

What is Cottard’s fate at the end of the plague?

He dies clutching his crucifix, but the symptoms of his illness do not match those of the plague. Dr. Rieux records him as a “doubtful case.” When the epidemic ends, Cottard cannot cope.

What are the quotes in the plague by Tarrou?

Tarrou and Rambert’s visit to the camp is bleak and depressing. The people there are listless and dull, and, as Tarrou points out in this quote, easily forgotten by those outside the gates. The inmates are a reminder of disease, suffering, and death; if they are locked away then those on the outside can try and forget that such horrors exist.

How is Jean Tarrou similar to Dr Rieux?

Eventually Rieux and Tarrou become close friends. Tarrou has a similar belief in social responsibility as Rieux does, but Tarrou is more philosophical than the doctor, often musing about sainthood, the death penalty, and the absurdity of life.

What did Jean Tarrou call his cats in the plague?

Leaning over the balcony he would call: “Pussy! Pussy!” in a voice at once haughty and endearing… He then proceeded to tear some paper into scraps and let them fall into the street; interested by the fluttering shower of white butterflies, the cats came forward, lifting tentative paws toward the last scraps of paper.