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Revolution and Repression in Albert Camus' "The Guest": A Marxist Perspective
This scholarly paper applies a Marxist analysis of Albert Camus' short story "The Guest."
Information taken from Karl Marx's and Friedrich Engels's ideological insights addresses the
underlying social injustices depicted in the narrative (Sharpe, Matthew, pp 326-348). This
analysis assesses the revolutionary principles and constraining forces featured in this piece of art,
aiming to comprehend Camus' narrative with an exclusively Marxist outlook.
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' economic and social cohesion is the basis of the
analytical perspective of Marxian criticism. This structure offers a unique lens through which to
analyze economic and political issues. Its purpose is to explore literature by analyzing the
portrayal of power structures, existing economic oppression, and effects of ideological
disparities, unveiling covert preset beliefs, unmasking unjust social distinctions, and highlighting
the possibility of revolutionary transformation (Krasota et al.). The celebrated French
existentialist Albert Camus was renowned for studying themes such as man's paradox, the
individual's quest for purpose, and the ethical obligation to stave off injustice. Outlining colonial
Algeria, his short story 'The Guest' touches upon a discourse between an educator and a detained
Arab. The main characters portray an entrenched view of colonization, painting Eurocentric
figures as materially superior to that of indigenous Algerians - principally constituting an
endorsement for the contentions of colonialism and asserting a community's ethnic pre-
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eminence. Examining matters from a Marxist perspective then illustrates how such
representation may be working to legitimize and reinforce those oppressive colonial forces
otherwise in operation.
A palpable representation of unequal power structures can be seen in the film "The
Guest." A stark difference is evident between the privileged colonizers and the indigenous people
subjugated and oppressed by them. An example of this class disparity is highlighted by the
interactions between the schoolmaster and Arab prisoner, with the former ultimately in a position
of authority. At the same time, the latter epitomizes powerless and oppression (Breen, Gina
Marie). Marxist themes of class struggle are prominent in this narrative, illuminating the
oppressive nature of colonial rule and its imposition of unjust power dynamics. Power is shown
to be wielded by various forces within "The Guest," including the colonizers and those they seek
to control. Through such oppressive power structures, social control is ensured to uphold a
rigged system.
Exploring power dynamics, "The Guest" exposes the oppressive forceful nature of those
in a position to exercise authority and control. Masterfully illustrating the oppressive role of the
ruling class and their ability to impose power on others, Kafka's novella serves as a powerful
reminder of the injustices experienced under such regimes. Yet, providing a glimmer of hope,
Kafka sparks intrigue with hints of potential for resistance and revolution against these
oppressive power structures. From a Marxist view, this rendition champions the possibility of
displacing existing power hierarchies.
"The power of "The Guest" lies in its ability to shed light on the oppressive nature of
colonial rule. This story emphasizes the inequalities suffered by the indigenous Algerians, such
as discrimination, marginalization, and limited economic opportunities compared to their
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European counterparts. These injustices are further highlighted through the unfair imprisonment
of the Arab prisoner, who is denied a fair trial and human rights (Jennifer, pp. 95-116). As an
example of the restrictive power structures in place, even the schoolmaster - albeit possessing
higher social status - is resigned to being bound by them. Ultimately, this narrative serves as a
call for readers to challenge the existing unfair social order in its challenge to the assumed
superiority of colonizers; its insightful examination of power and unethical consequences alike
make it essential reading for those who seek a better understanding of this complex historical era
and its lasting effects on society today.
The revolutionary possibilities discussed in "The Guest" come alive as the narrative
showcases the power of upending oppressive systems. Through the Arab prisoner's endeavor of
escaping his captors, we get a glimpse of revolutionary change being potential, even when facing
intimidating restrictive structures. This story also describes how merciless such a system can be,
as depicted by the internal conflict between the schoolmaster and his eventual surrender to
authorities - signifying the inhibiting impact on individual freedom and social justice (Breen,
Gina Marie). While showing hope that revolution is possible, "The Guest" also stresses the
difficulties in these pursuits, including risks and sacrifices. Nonetheless, it radiates hope in
depicting acts of resistance and defiance.
Albert Camus' classic "The Guest" is a relevant reminder of the colonial tyranny faced in
Algeria and the need to engage critically with literature. By undertaking a Marxist analysis of
this story, this paper revealed the many layers of power, injustice, and social inequality that
inform Camus' narrative. Close examination of themes like revolution and repressiveness
showed that the power of defiance and resistance could be unleashed against oppressive systems
(Marx, Karl, and Frederick Engels). This paper sought to take readers beyond the story's surface,
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an effort demonstrated by uncovering the complex intersections between culture, race, class, and
power relations. By coming to terms with these dynamics, readers can reflect on their prejudices
and views while appreciating newer strategies for social justice. Literary works like "The Guest"
invites us to view our lives through various theoretical lenses, thereby strengthening our capacity
to ponder deeply on critical issues.
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Works Cited
Breen, Gina Marie.
Colonial, Anticolonial, and Postcolonial Myth and Memory in the French-
Algerian Narratives of Albert Camus, Frantz Fanon, and Assia Djebar 1942-1999
.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, 2016.
https://www.proquest.com/openview/d5c35aacb7aa5d7ce743f34fd30acea1/1?pq-
origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
Krasota, Olena, and Tetiana Melnyk. "Social Inclusion as an Instrument for Reducing Socio-
Economic Inequality."
Scientific Papers of the University of Pardubice. Series D. Faculty
of Economics and Administration
28.3 (2020).
https://socialprotection.org/sites/default/files/publications_files/SciPap-
01192%20%281%29.pdf
Marx, Karl, and Frederick Engels. "Marxism, Feminism, and the Commons."
Re-enchanting the
World
: 151.
https://www.stateoffashion.org/documents/26/Re-
enchanting_the_World__Feminism_and_the_-_Silvia_Federici.pdf#page=170
Ponce de León, Jennifer, and Gabriel Rockhill. "Towards a Compositional Model of Ideology:
Materialism, Aesthetics, and Cultural Revolution."
Philosophy Today
64.1 (2020): 95-
116.
https://www.pdcnet.org/philtoday/content/philtoday_2020_0064_0001_0095_0116
Sharpe, Matthew. "Guests, hosts, strangers: far from men and Camus' Algerians."
Film-
Philosophy
21.3 (2017): 326-348.
https://www.euppublishing.com/doi/full/10.3366/film.2017.0054