The plague and contrast in opinions
It was really interesting to me how they portrayed the contrast between people's reactions to the plague and life within it, reflecting a lot attitudes now. Rambert is pining and anxious, trying vainly to see his lover, concerned with nothing more than the means to escape this hell. He is, at least initially, a picture of suffering and longing for life outside. Rieux dedicates his life to helping others, combatting the plague, taking a solid and scientific outlook on the scenery, despite being separated from his wife at all. And Cottard almost seems to thrive, without the worry of law enforcement to persecute him, and a new career in smuggling goods. It is an exemplary demonstration of how a disaster like this can change people in many different ways, which is especially visible now.