Eugenie Grandet--Essential Reading for Youth Quality Education (Flowering Season Volume)

Author: Zhong Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: "Eugénie Grandet" is one of Balzac's representative works. The outstanding achievement of this novel lies in its portrayal of a cunning, greedy, and miserly bourgeoisie nouveau riche. The novel depicts the criminal rise of the bourgeoisie, with the central character, Grandet, rising to prominence during the turmoil of the French Revolution. During the Restoration period, he controlled the market, drove up prices, and engaged in speculative investments, multiplying his wealth several times over. His nephew Charles made a fortune through overseas slave trading, usury, tax evasion, smuggling, and collusion with pirates. The rise of the bourgeoisie had rarely been the focus of literary attention, yet Balzac began to notice this significant social phenomenon, and his exposure carries profound social significance. The story of "Eugénie Grandet" unfolds within the domestic daily life of a family, without sensational events or any trace of romance. As the author himself said, it is a "banal tragedy without poison, without daggers, without blood," yet its severity is no less than that of classical tragedy. Eugénie is almost a saintly figure impossible to find in reality. She embodies nearly all the virtues of a woman, such as diligence, loyalty, tranquility, and devotion. She is generous, not only helping her uncle—Charles's father, who had deceived her into his only emotional attachment—repay a massive debt but also donating substantial sums to the church, schools, and public works. She is brave, driven by the power of love, as she once defied her father's will, secretly and even openly providing for Charles. In the end, she no longer remains ignorant, perceiving the complexities of the world. She made an extraordinary and courageous act. Grandet is shrewd and rarely speaks, with even fewer actions. He is ruthless, manipulating others with ease. In the town of Saumur, everyone has been skillfully grasped by his steel-like claws. No one who sees him does not feel both admiration and fear.