The Guest

Throughout the story’s narrative, two of its three characters are designated by their name and profession in the society in which they live: Daru the schoolmaster and Balducci the regional policeman. The third central character, “the Arab,” on the other hand, is identified by neither name nor profession. Why do you think Camus chose to include a character with no name or profession? To what extent might the complicated history of Algeria and France shed light on this question?

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.