Symbolism in Camus' "The Plague" For the first essay for Integrative Studies 300 I would like to write on the Camus work, The Plague. Since Albert Camus has a philosophical view unlike that of many western writers, the book can serve as an excellent reflection on an unpopular view of life, living, and death. Life without a god poses many ironies; Camus attempts to satisfy those ironies. By using many examples of symbolism, Camus conveys his own philosophy in a certain way so that his characters are subject to his personal ideals and morals. Camus believes there is no god, and essentially that human beings need to be responsible for their own lives, happiness, and decency