An Analysis of the Development of a Passion in the Heart of a Human Being
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Authors
Rao, Amrit
Issue Date
1973
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
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.
Description
iv, 71 p.
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