Part 2: Chapter 8 Summary

Tarrou recruits his workers and decides that men are, as a rule, more good than bad and that the evil that exists in the world comes of ignorance. His work sends the message that, even though there is risk, everyone must get involved in fighting the plague.

Meanwhile, old Dr. Castel is working to create a serum using cultures of the local bacilli, reasoning that such a serum will be more effective. His objective is to have the first batch ready for use in a very short time. Grand takes up the task of general secretary to the squads, working after a full day at his office. Tarrou feels that Grand embodies the quiet courage that inspires the volunteers. Rieux, Tarrou, and Grand become close friends, meeting when they can at the end of long days. All try to help Grand...