The concept of community in selected works of Jean Giono and Albert Camus

Perhaps no human problem characterizes 20th century western man as clearly as the search for community. The isolation of the individual can be dated from the inception of modern philosophy, religion, and political life. European writers we now categorize variously as existential or proto-existential reacted to the problem of community's demise by emphasizing the perspective of the isolated individual. Against this background, two writers emerged to expose and elucidate the problem underlying man's solitude. Jean Giono and Albert Camus consciously and engagingly focused upon the problem of community in a variety of writings. Together, they set in bold relief the thesis that the problem of modern man lies in his loss of community with his fellow man.

Between Giono and Camus on the focal subject of community there are very significant differences in both their approaches to and perspectives on community. For Giono, community is an existing, natural entity, whereas for Camus community is a longed- for goal. By studying selected works of these writers in juxtaposition with each other, we gained an understanding of their respective ideas on community and, in the process, achieved a further clarification of communal philosophy.

Giono and Camus shared a concept of communality based on respect for human dignity, service to humankind, preservation of worthy traditions, and maintenance of our ties to nature. This concept gives lie to the common misunderstanding that community voids human individuality; true community provides a home for and an impetus to true individuality. Indeed, rebellion, as analyzed by Camus and portrayed by Giono, is perhaps only another name for individuality within community. The work of these two authors contributes greatly to our understanding of community and our relationship to it.