This turn in attitude shows a growth in Father Paneloux from a man who strictly believes that any catastrophe is deserved to one who recognizes that the death of the boy was possibly not an act of God punishing that child. "That child was innocent", he states in a slow realization that he too is, in ways more than physical, victim to the plague (218). This growth is evidence that knowing the plague is more than knowing death and destruction, it is also remembering what benefits seeped through the cracks of that destruction and recognizing that it is all worth remembering, the good and the bad.
Next, in his survey of what could be won from his conflict, Rieux mentions, "having known friendship and remembering it" (291). Evidence of this can be found in Rieux's relationship with Tarrou. Working closely, the two men develop a trusting friendship. Because they understand each other's goals and ambitions during the plague, they become a silent support system for each other. Through Tarrou's diary, we see that he too has been a quiet but observant soldier in the battle. Rieux comments, "no matter how much work he had put in, he was always a ready listener and an agreeable companion" (195). We find there is more to Tarrou and Rieux's relationship in very few instances, but when we see these instances, it is obvious that they are quite important. .
The first such interaction is during a short escape from the world as the two men sit on a terrace and "take an hour off- for friendship" (245). This scene is an unexpected pause from the fast-paced events of the plague. We see a personal connection between the two that is not shown between any other two characters, and it is this personal support system that is revealed that keeps the two men going. In an even more personal moment, the men go for a swim, and while in the water, the connection between the two is described like few can be.
