Before I started to read, my friend threw out a question: "let me know which character you would be". Thanks for this dear friend, the question engages me into a much rich and reflecting reading of this novel.
So here is my list of liking. The first prize goes for Joseph Grand. He is soft and has deep affection. He does true good things without ever thinking to have his own credits. He reminds me my grandma.
Second goes for Raymond Rambert. Though looks selfish, he has his way of caring this world. And while there is freedom for him to make a real choice (escape or not), he proves himself a brave man. I admire how he observes, grows and makes changes.
Third may be Jean Tarrou or Father Paneloux. Jean Tarrou feels the suffering of this world almost by nature (kinda like me, I would say). He doesn't deny his feeling and choose an unpaved road, leaving his family and in trial and error trying to understand the truth of life. He is self motivated. He organizing teams of volunteers to fight the plague but feels against authorities who conscripts prisoners to do the same work. He also holds special perspectives on human beings.
Father Paneloux has deep empathy to the suffering crowds. Though not easy to be felt but his this character was inspired strongly at the scene he witnessing a child's death. His deep emotion leads him to some of the deepest philosophical discussion of Christianity: God is above human understanding, and one can only choose to believe or not. He gives all to feel the pain of human and his all to stick to his Christianity belief. In the strong conflict, he even gave out his life.
Both Jean Tarrou and Father Paneloux are kinds of spiritual character, out of world, and a bit weird, yet they attract me a lot.
As for the question, who I would like to be. I may go for Jean Tarrou. I would try hard to understand my feelings toward life and this world. I am willing to be no name but stay loyal to myself.
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