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Library's collection Library's IT development CancelThe analysis of this study focuses on the factors that may motivate the
characters in Albert Camus?s The Plague, specifically Dr. Rieux and Rambert, to
devote themselves in fighting against the plague. Both characters are in the same
situation in which they are quarantined in Oran that makes them separated from
their lovers. Although they have chance to leave, they prefer to stay, instead of
leaving Oran. However, their devotion is confronted with their self-interest. From
this situation, I come up with one crucial statement of the problem that is what
factors that motivate Dr. Rieux and Rambert devote themselves in fighting against
the plague. In order to find out the answer of that problem I mainly use
characterization and conflict. I use those two concepts as the main tools because
from these concepts I can reveal the factors that potentially motivate the two
characters to do devotion in Oran. Besides using characterization and conflict as
the main device, I also use another supporting concept to help me analyze this
work. The supporting concepts involve some moral values, that is altruism,
empathy, compassion, unselfishness, solidarity, and commitment. In the end of
this study, I can conclude that the factors that can motivate Dr. Rieux and
Rambert may come from some different ways. For Dr. Rieux, who is a doctor, his
professional obligation becomes the prominent factor. His atheism and his
experience on death also influence him to dedicate himself in Oran. Meanwhile,
for Rambert, who is an outsider journalist, the factor comes from a model that is
given by Rieux. However, the moral values that they embrace become the
significant factors to do devotion for either Rieux and Rambert. The self-interest
of the two main characters is successfully pushed by their own willingness to
dedicate their lives for fighting against the plague. Therefore, from the analysis I
can conclude that both Rambert and Rieux give value to their lives by giving more
priority for the maximum interest for all people in Oran rather than their personal
needs.