Father Paneloux Symbolism

In his novel The Plague, Albert Camus ridicules Christianity through the development of his character, Father Paneloux. Though Camus himself was born Catholic, he died an atheist. As he shows in The Plague, Christianity is irrational as long as suffering exists. Camus himself was no stranger to suffering. His father had been killed in World War I, and he and the rest of his family lived in harsh poverty. He later worked in the resistance against Nazi Germany, though tuberculosis prevented him from taking military action. Published after the end of World War II and the suffering and deaths of millions, Camus rebukes Christians’ belief in God. How could such suffering be tolerated by a God that claims to love people? Through the characterization

Camus ironically shows that everyone suffers, and that Christians are not exempt. Father Paneloux, used by Camus to symbolize organized religion, gives his first sermon after Oran has been quarantined. Coupled with Paneloux’s symbolism is his characterization as prideful. This can be seen through his dialogue when Paneloux tells the citizens that “calamity has come on [them]... [and they] deserved it” (Camus, 94). Paneloux illustrates his belief that he is not being punished by God, unlike the rest of the citizens of Oran. Camus conveys the idea of the Christian belief that they “have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7), and as a result are excused from God’s wrath. However, Paneloux is quarantined just like everyone else; they face the same challenges, and will all be subjected to suffering, giving Father Paneloux’s statement an ironic effect. Father Paneloux’s accusing tone suggests that it is up to the citizens to face God’s wrath, and to atone for their sins. Camus shows the absurdity of the idea that anyone can be excused from suffering, as it should be the goal

Father Paneloux is criticized by the other clergymen for consulting and working with a doctor, as they believe it is “illogical for a priest to call in a doctor” (Camus, 229). Due to this ridicule, Father Paneloux initially denies hospital care when he falls ill, however he soon “[submits] passively to the treatment given him” (Camus, 233). Had Father Paneloux shown unwavering belief in God, he would never have permitted himself to be treated. In this way, Camus shows a significant shift in Father Paneloux’s character. First introduced as a man holding the belief that God holds him above the wrongdoers of Oran, Father Paneloux is later presented by Camus as a man doubting God’s existence, helpless and unhelpful in the fight against the plague. His submission to treatment suggests that he fears death. Perhaps more specifically, he fears the absence of the afterlife he has evidently been forced into believing. Similarly, Christians today show the same uncertainty and distrust in God. As Father Paneloux does, they visit doctors when they are ill, and they look both ways before crossing the street. However, Paneloux says that Christians should “believe everything or deny everything” (Camus, 224). Nevertheless, few Christians show this complete devotion to God. Camus