The Misunderstanding

Camus thematizes language as a source of misunderstanding and conflict. These misunderstandings arise from characters’ illusions about the world, which distract them from their only true path to freedom and happiness: solidarity with others. As Camus writes in the foreword, “Man carries his share of illusions and misunderstandings within him, and they are what have to be killed off” (143). While he acknowledges that perfect communication is impossible, Camus emphasizes the importance of trying to speak a common language. He expressed this precept in a letter to a friend (an excerpt of which is included in footnote 10): “We need to speak the same language as everyone for the good of everyone” (547). To avoid this language that bridges the distance between oneself and others is to withdraw from the world.

Camus uses the characters’ dialogue to reveal each of their illusions about the world that contribute to their miscommunication and keep them disconnected. Each character’s refusal or inability to speak a common language—including Jan’s insistence on finding a perfect language—belies their isolating belief that their suffering is unique. Jan expects to find the perfect recognition and welcome granted by the Prodigal Son’s father in the biblical parable but, as Camus suggests, such recognition is only possible in