Joseph Grand was portrayed to us as the gentle, indecisive and poor citizen of Oran. He didn't have much besides a failed marriage, a city job and a one-sentence novel. Despite his faults, he was among the first to join the “sanitary brigades” without a second. Grand does not consider what he does to be a hero's work; he considers this a necessary duty. In fact, when Dr. Rieux thanked Grand, Grand said, "Well, it's not difficult!" The plague is here and we must take a stand, that’s obvious. Ah, I only wish it were that simple! (Camus, 134). Grand's work on the "sanitary teams" may have been a small sacrifice, but it represented something much bigger than himself. Since he was an older man and didn't have much to give, he gave everything he could because it was the right thing to do. The narrator states: “Grand was the true embodiment of the quiet courage of the health groups” (Camus, 134). At this point, Grand's virtue of courage is brought to bear. It's like no one really gave him a chance to show how brave he was in the past. Grand is marked by so many failures and deficits that it's hard to look past it all and think of this man as courageous. However, Dr. Rieux gives Grand this second chance to prove his worth and remind Grand of everything he has to offer. Eventually, Grand contracts the plague and escapes death. His recovery marks a reversal of trend for the citizens of Oran. Grand's recovery gives hope to the citizens of Oran. The narrator tells us this very early on; “and if it is absolutely necessary for this narrative to include a “hero,” it must be one with “goodness of heart” and “a seemingly absurd ideal” (Camus, 137). The story...... middle of paper ... he begins to want to write a literary masterpiece on which he works assiduously. He is a very careful man who works thoughtfully and meticulously. It would be a strength if he did it in moderation and if he knew when to stop, but he is so caught up in his work that he often misses what is most important in life. He hasn't had a close relationship with anyone since his wife was here. Grand wants to write that bestseller, he wants that ideal marriage, and he wants to be alone. This is why it is somewhat surprising that he came to Cottard's aid, to the point of wanting to hide his suicide attempt from the authorities; and he also joins Tarrou's troop of volunteers, coming after work to help fight the plague. Grand's name seems ironic at the beginning of the book, but as we read it, his gestures become as grand as his name..