Eugenie Grandet

Author: Translated by Lin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-09-20
Features: The story of the novel begins with the birthday gathering of Eugénie Grandet, where Balzac allows the characters in the novel to make their appearances one by one. Thus, the subtle and sharp intrigue between the Krug family and the Grandet family, revolving around the marriage issue of the only daughter of the millionaire, unfolds in the drawing room of Grandet's mansion. It is laid out one by one until the unexpected visitor, the nephew of the Grandet family, knocks on the door. Just like a stone suddenly falling into a pond, it immediately creates new waves. Then, the novel transitions from one act to the next like a multi-act play, with the characters' words, actions, thoughts, and emotions developing as the plot progresses, gradually building towards a climax and then moving towards the conclusion. The frugal and shrewd millionaire has an innocent and beautiful only daughter who falls in love with a bankrupt and destitute relative. To help him "make his way in the world," she gives away all her savings, which infuriates her money-loving father, leading to a fierce conflict between father and daughter. The timid and virtuous mother becomes so frightened that she falls ill and never recovers. However, the passionate girl, who loses her father in anticipation and wastes her youth in vain, ultimately waits for only a faithless man who returns after becoming wealthy.