In my 10th grade english class, we read the book "The Plague" by Albert Camus in 1947. This book took place in Oran, Algeria where a plague struck this very quiet city. After reading this book, we watched the movie I Am Legend which was released in 2007. Clearly these two pieces of literature/film were created at completely different time periods. Yet they actually relate more than what one would think.
“The Plague” by Albert Camus and I am Legend directed by Francis Lawrence, although created during different time periods, share some of the same essential themes. Particularly, the theme of being isolated from the rest of the world and trying to distract that actuality by finding someone or something to combat their fear and isolation head on.
As the plague struck, people weren’t allowed to enter or leave in Oran. Therefore, people began to realize that they didn’t want to spend their last moments alone. “…a man with all the symptoms and running a high fever who dashed out into the street, flung himself on the first woman he met” (74). Similarly in I am Legend Robert Neville (Will Smith) tries to find someone out there whom he can provide for. “My name is Robert Neville. I am a survivor living in New York City. I am broadcasting on all AM frequencies. I will be at the South Street Seaport everyday at mid-day, when the sun is highest in the sky. If you are out there…if anyone is out there…I can provide food. I can provide shelter. I can provide security. If there’s anybody out there…anybody…please. You are not alone”. The reason I put this quote from the movie is because it’s his last and only source of hope there is to find someone else who is also alive. He is isolated from the rest of the country, and is looking for people whom he can cope with. Also similarly in “The Plague”, all the people of Oran are being kept there, separated from other citizens, family, and friends. “Hostile to the past, impatient of the present, and cheated of the future, we were much like those whom men’s justice, or hatred, forces to live behind prison bars” (67).
I find it very refreshing that even though both of these works were created during completely different era's, they still share many important reoccurring themes. I would recommend both the book and the movie to be watched because I really enjoyed them.
For more information on either the book or the movie click on the link below:
