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.
Original Text / PDF (5,100 words)
General Comments
Our source for the story is a 1958 translation by Justin O’Brien for Hamish Hamilton, Harmondsworth, Eng. As with all non-English writings, versions from other translators may result in slight differences in interpretation and/or wording.