Bai Yi (Illustrated Edition)

Author: [French] Balzac
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: The protagonist of this book, Berthe, is a girl born in the countryside, carrying the charm of rural life. Due to her beauty and kindness, she gained the care of her noble cousin and came to Paris, France. With a stubborn personality, Berthe was both full of jealousy toward her cousin and dedicated herself to studying with tireless ambition, establishing her own family. However, the turbulent changes of the times and her stubborn nature once again forced her to descend into the working class. The story that follows does not end there. Berthe did not give up or submit to the circumstances, continuing to live for her goals, striving bravely, and ultimately achieved her satisfaction—gaining her own career. Berthe is a rather special character in Balzac's works. The novel is named after her, showing the author's emphasis on her. She is driven by a certain passion, but her character is quite complex. She embodies both "ugliness" and "evil," which is the impression she leaves on readers. The author portrays her as a repulsive and intimidating caricature, and also gives her an equally repulsive and intimidating jealousy. This innate eccentric psychological trait torments her own soul and ruins the happiness of others; after her licentious relationship with Valérie, it becomes an even greater, even an "evil force capable of destroying the entire city." However, Berthe's character is far from being just an embodiment of "evil."