Poverty
Albert Camus puts forth a vivid and almost tangible image of the Comery household. The family lived in sheer poverty. However, they lived with dignity and respect. The head of the family, Jacques' grandmother, keeps track of all financial transactions involving the household. She is apprehensive about the idea of Jacques joining the secondary school. She would rather have him work somewhere and contribute to the family. Jacques is able to join the new school. However, he is made to work during the summer vacations.
Childhood
A vast chunk of the novel deals with the childhood exploits and adventures of Jacques. Camus takes the reader through the streets of Algiers where Jacques, along with his friends, roamed around fearlessly. The reader is acquainted with the child's likes and dislikes, his fascinations and apprehensions. Each instance of his childhood - be it his love for football, or hunting trips with his uncle, or his time in the secondary school - adds a layer of complexity and intimacy to his character. It is safe to say that we, the readers, know much more about the childhood of Jacques, than his adult life.
Strength of family
The Comery household is a tightly knit one. Ever since the death of Jacques' father, Henri, the family strived for their survival. His mother worked as a maid. His uncle worked in a workshop which crafted barrels. They did all they could to make ends meet. However, despite all the hardships, the family stuck together. They helped each other in time of need. Jacques, despite the difficult semester at school, worked during his summer vacations. No matter how hard life hit them, they withstood the blow together.
The consequences of war
Henri Comery died because of the Great War. He was a French resident in Algiers, who was called upon by France to serve his country during World War I. Having spent most of his life in Algiers, Henri died in Paris. He fought for a Paris that was as foreign to him as any other city in Europe. His son, Jacques, visited his grave in Paris. Jacques pondered over the fact that he was now older than his father ever was. Albert Camus accentuates the tragedy of Henri Comery. His death was a direct consequence of war.
