Daru's Values In Albert Camus 'Tinguit'

Daru’s values are in conflict because he is told to complete a task which is not his job, which goes against free-will and his loyalty to the French. He is asked by French policeman, Balducci, to deliver an Arab prisoner to “Tinguit” (Camus, 4), which Daru states, “It’s not my job.” (4) to the officer. However, he still agrees with Balducci that he will deliver the slave because of his loyalty to the French. He accepts Balducci’s order because he was “the old gendarme he had known for a long time.” (3) and to not accept his offer would be an insult to him and the French. Later on he tells the officer that “every bit of this disgusts me” (6) and says “I won’t hand him over.” (7) He does not take the Arab prisoner to the police station because he thinks this is wrong and he believes in freedom of choice, therefore thinking that the prisoner should have a choice. Daru tells the Arab that he has two options and that is whether to go to Tinguit which is a two hour walk where he will “find the police which are expecting him” (13), or take the trail across the plateau. In a day’s walk he will find land where the first nomads will take him in and shelter him.