Page "The Plague" Paragraph 33

* Father Paneloux: Father Paneloux is a learned, well-respected Jesuit priest.

He is well known for having given a series of lectures in which he championed a pure form of Christian doctrine and chastised his audience about their laxity.

During the first stage of the plague outbreak, Paneloux preaches a sermon at the cathedral.

He has a powerful way of speaking, and he insists to the congregation that the plague is a scourge sent by God to those who have hardened their hearts against him.

But Paneloux also claims that God is present to offer succor and hope.

Later, Paneloux attends at the bedside of Othon's stricken son and prays that the boy may be spared.

After the boy's death, Paneloux tells Rieux that although the death of an innocent child in a world ruled by a loving God cannot be rationally explained, it should nonetheless be accepted.

Paneloux joins the team of volunteer workers and preaches another sermon saying that the death of the innocent child is a test of faith.

Since God willed the child's death, so the Christian should will it, too.

A few days after preaching this sermon, Paneloux is taken ill.

He refuses to call for a doctor, trusting in God alone.

He dies.

Since his symptoms did not seem to resemble those of the plague, Rieux records his death as a " doubtful case.