Eugenie Grandet

Author: [French] Balzac, translated by Zhang Guanyao
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Features: The story of "Eugenie Grandet" unfolds within the daily life of a family, without sensational events or any trace of. 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 tragedies. Eugenie 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—helping her uncle, the father of Charles (who deceived her into loving him for the only time in her life) to repay a huge debt, and donating substantial amounts of money to the church, schools, and public works. She is also brave—driven by the power of love, she once defied her father's will, secretly and even openly giving food and supplies to Charles. Eventually, she becomes no longer ignorant, perceiving the true nature of the world. She makes an extraordinary and courageous act. Grandet is shrewd and reserved, speaking little and moving even less. He is ruthless, manipulating others with ease. In the city of Saumur, everyone has been skillfully ensnared by his steel-like claws. No one who sees him does not feel both admiration and fear.