The Guest

Consider Camus’s description of the landscape and the weather in the short story as you discuss how these elements relate to its primary conflict. How are the setting and dramatic action of “The Guest” informed by/demonstrative of Camus’s overall philosophy?

Discuss Daru’s character development throughout the course of the narrative in terms of the moral quandary that he confronts, elaborating on the details of his conflict and how they affect his decision-making process.

How does irony function as a central element of “The Guest”? Discuss the ironies inherent in each character’s situation as well those that surface in the short story’s climax and dénouement. 

What do you make of Camus’s emphasis on the schoolroom’s blackboard at the story’s beginning and close? What images and messages does this standard schoolroom prop project, and how do they change throughout the course the narrative?

Taking into account that the story’s original French title, “L’Hôte,” can mean both “The Guest” and “The Host,” why do you think Camus chose this title, and how do you account for the ambiguity it embodies?

Throughout the story’s narrative, each character is confronted with a weighty choice. Describe what stakes each man faces, what he ultimately decides, and why.

Upon delivering the Arab to Daru, Balducci insists on leaving the schoolmaster a firearm. What is Daru’s reaction to the weapon, and how does this response play out in his treatment of the prisoner?

Given Daru’s reaction to the message he glimpses at the story’s close, what stance/actions do you imagine him taking after the narrative’s ending?