Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Albert Camus's The Plague. Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.
The Plague: Context
The Plague: Plot Summary
The Plague: Detailed Summary & Analysis
The Plague: Themes
The Plague: Quotes
The Plague: Characters
The Plague: Symbols
The Plague: Theme Wheel
Brief Biography of Albert Camus

Historical Context of The Plague
Other Books Related to The Plague
- Full Title: The Plague (La Peste)
- Where Written: Paris, France
- When Published: 1947
- Literary Period: 20th century philosophy, Absurdism and Existentialism
- Genre: Philosophical novel, Absurdist fiction
- Setting: Oran, Algeria
- Climax: Tarrou struggles against the plague and dies
- Antagonist: The plague
- Point of View: First person limited, from an unknown narrator who is revealed to be Dr. Rieux in the last chapter
Extra Credit for The Plague
Nobel. Camus received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957. He was the second-youngest recipient of the award, and the first winner to have been born in Africa.
Soccer. Camus was a great lover of soccer, and played as a goalkeeper for several years. He was once asked if he preferred literature or football (soccer), and he replied “Football, without hesitation.”