Comparing Suffering In Book Of Job And The Plague

The question - Why do I suffer? – functions as one of the foremost features of the human condition. As individuals, we habitually question the purpose of our own suffering and seek to rationalize it. Though universal and inevitable, this suffering may often appear unmerited or unjust. Throughout time, many have claimed a monopoly on this answer. In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a religion or philosophy that neither addresses nor justifies human suffering. Literature as well often attempts to explore suffering, most frequently through the narrative format. It is in this space that both The Book of Job, and Albert Camus’ The Plague operate. In both literary works, the characters of Job and Dr. Bernard Rieux experience exceptional tragedy and are utilized as devices to forward the author’s own notion on the nature of suffering. Though written with different intentions and responses, the claim made through The Book of Job and The Plague are the same: suffering is an unpredictable feature in the known world, and to rationalize such suffering is a fruitless endeavor for the human consciousness. In the beginning of the The Book of Job, the reader finds a most …show more content…
Unlike Job, he asserts that one must stand on the side of humanity, rather than trusting in the heavens. It is this principle that he credits as the main impetus for his narrative. Additionally, it is critical to note that Rieux describes suffering as a teacher. Similar to The Book of Job, suffering brings about a raised consciousness and awareness of the nature of life. And by attempting to understand suffering, Rouix realizes that it is truly impossible to do so, for it is a fixed feature in the world with absolutely no rationale. Additionally, the plague humbles Rouix as he eventually surmises that creation is set up to drop like