“The Plague” (La Peste), a classic novel by French writer and philosopher Albert Camus, is an allegorical and philosophical narrative that tells the story of a sudden outbreak of plague in the city of Oran, Algeria. As the city is quarantined and thrown into chaos, the diverse reactions of its inhabitants—from denial and selfishness to courage and solidarity—come to light. Written in Camus’s clear yet profound prose, the novel explores existential themes such as absurdity, freedom, human responsibility, and the struggle against suffering and death. The Plague is not merely about a contagious disease, but a powerful metaphor for historical catastrophes, war, and the human condition. It remains one of the most significant existentialist novels of the 20th century.