An Analysis of the Development of a Passion in the Heart of a Human Being

Abstract

In Maupassant's novel, Pierre et Jean, I have chosen a theme which dominates the story and which is quite evident throughout the book. I discovered that the main character of the novel, Pierre, becomes obsessed by the fraternal jealousy. This sentiment gnaws at his heart and, as a result he becomes hostile, furious, and cruel toward the other characters in the novel. In the end, Pierre becomes the prey of his own passion of jealousy; by succumbing to his emotional side, he is forced to choose a 'different way of life, that is, to separate himself from his family. He sacrifices himself for the others. In my work, I have tried to explore and analyze, step by step, the growing sentiment of jealousy in Pierre. After discussing briefly the development of the plot, I have emphasized the event of the inheritance, which is the key to the progression of the novel. This incident is very important because it marks the flaring up of Pierre's dormant jealousy. It led the oldest son to suspect his mother and discover her past misdeeds. It is this event that unfolds the past relationships and the history of the characters. Their reactions to the legacy deeply influenced the imaginative mind of Pierre, and forced him to investigate his sentiment and aroused suspicions. The jealousy intensified and was fed by each new development in his younger brother Jean's life. Through the chapter on "Jealousy", I have made an effort to discuss all the other minor events that takes place later in the novel, the characters, the various circumstances, the words and the actions of the people around Pierre, and everything else that has influenced Pierre physically and spiritually.