Introduction
Daniel Defoe’s tome, A Journal of the Plague Year, presents a chillingly vivid depiction of the bubonic plague that devastated London in 1665. Through his intricate portrayals of daily existence and the diverse viewpoints of the city’s inhabitants, Defoe constructs a gripping tale that captures the terror and ruin wrought by the contagion.
While perusing the volume, parallels between the ordeals of Londoners during the plague and the trials during the COVID-19 pandemic could not be ignored. This literary masterpiece not only captures the historical nuances of a devastating pandemic but also remarkably mirrors the collective human experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. The parallels between the emotional reactions, societal disruptions, and adaptive resilience depicted by Defoe resonate profoundly with the challenges of our contemporary world. Consequently, this paper posits that A Journal of the Plague Year gives a remarkably relatable portrayal of the human reaction to a lethal pandemic, as evinced by the resemblances between the ordeals of Londoners in 1665 and our trials during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reaction to Disease Spread
Plague
Defoe’s narrative vividly portrays the rapid spread of the plague and the subsequent disillusionment of the people in those they had trusted. As indicated by Defoe, the contagion spread rapidly, leading the affected individuals to realize the folly of relying on deceptive individuals who had swindled them of their money. This realization shifted their emotions from a misplaced trust to a sense of astonishment and stupefaction. Uncertain about the appropriate course of action and finding themselves in a state of confusion, people frantically sought help and relief from their neighbors and even in the streets.
Defoe aptly captures this sense of despair, noting that they “ran about from one Neighbours House to another; and even in the Streets, from one Door to another with repeated Cries, of, Lord have Mercy upon us, what shall we do?” (Defoe 34). This excerpt captures the despondency and despair permeating the city as the plague ravaged the populace.
COVID-19
Likewise, during the initial stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, numerous individuals encountered a similar feeling of disheartenment and absence of drive due to the uncertainty and dread encompassing the virus. The similarities between the emotional reactions of Londoners during the plague and our reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the timeless significance of Defoe’s portrayal of human conduct during periods of turmoil. Intense focus on the plague and the constant fear of infection and death mirrors the preoccupation with COVID-19 that has dominated our lives over the past year. The constant news coverage, discussions, and concerns about the virus have created a similar atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in our own time.
Socioeconomic Impact
The societal disruptions caused by the Great Plague of London in 1665 resonate with the upheavals witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the enduring impact of such crises on human societies. Defoe’s vivid portrayal of the economic consequences and social disintegration during the plague year provides a lens through which contemporary readers can understand the far-reaching effects of a pandemic. The author notes that the violence of the contagion was such that the people were all perfectly terrified, and the richer sort fled away, leaving their houses shut up, and the poor were even more desperate (Defoe 158). This underscores the parallel between the abandonment of homes in 1665 and the widespread economic fallout experienced globally in 2020. The fear-induced flight of the affluent, leaving the less privileged in dire straits, resonates with the contemporary accounts of wealthier individuals relocating to safer areas during the initial phases of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Adaptation and Response
Despite the grim circumstances depicted in “A Journal of the Plague Year,” Defoe’s narrative also underscores the resilience and adaptability of human nature in the face of a deadly pandemic. The parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic are evident in the collective efforts to cope and survive. The text illustrates this resilience through the narrator’s account of individuals adapting to new norms and behaviors to mitigate the risk of infection.
Defoe writes that the intense greed in some individuals drove them to take extreme risks, resorting to theft and plunder. Specifically, these unscrupulous individuals would break recklessly into houses where all the families or residents had succumbed to the plague and been removed. Disregarding the peril of infection, they would seize clothing from the deceased bodies and bedclothes from others who had died (Defoe 80).
Similarly, the global response to COVID-19 witnessed innovations in remote work, the rapid development of vaccines, and changes in societal behavior, reflecting humanity’s ability to adapt in the face of adversity. By highlighting these moments of resilience, “A Journal of the Plague Year” offers a timeless testament to the enduring human spirit and its capacity to confront and overcome the trials posed by pandemics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Defoe’s “A Journal of the Plague Year” provides a poignant reflection on the human experience in times of crisis, resonating strongly with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The narrative captures the swift spread of contagion, the betrayal of trust, and the ensuing despair, mirroring the emotional turbulence witnessed in contemporary society during the early stages of the pandemic. The societal disruptions, economic consequences, and the flight of the affluent parallel the global upheavals experienced in 2020.
However, amidst the grim circumstances, Defoe also illuminates the resilience of the human spirit. Adapting to new norms, innovative responses, and collective efforts to survive underline the enduring capacity of humanity to confront and overcome the trials posed by pandemics. “A Journal of the Plague Year” is a timeless testament to the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity, offering relevant insights.
Work Cited
Defoe, Daniel. A Journal of the Plague Year. Dover Thrift Editions. Mineola, N.Y: Dover Publications, 2001.