The adultery in this story from Albert Camus is not of the sexual kind. For the married protagonist, the vast expanse of the Algerian desert puts into perspective something she already knew but had refused to face. Although she has a caring and possibly still loving husband, married life has become mundane and, through lack of communication, lonely. With both existentialist and feminist undertones, her epiphany on the rampart provides a brief escape from misery and the realization that life could offer so much more. Themes: lack of fulfillment, loneliness, natural splendor, freedom, finding meaning and purpose in life. More…

In this story by Albert Camus, a policeman orders Daru, a teacher from a remote Algerian school, to escort an alleged murderer to the nearest city. Camus was an early philosopher in the field of Existentialism. The story features several existential themes: the absurd (The situation Daru finds himself in.); the need to choose (Daru can follow the policeman’s order or set the man free; the man can go South to freedom or East to captivity.); and angst (Daru was in a “no win” situation. Whatever decision he makes will have unpleasant, and possibly deadly, consequences.) Other themes: honor, hospitality. More…