Manon Lescaut: Analysis of Major Characters
"Manon Lescaut" is a novel that explores the intricacies of love, desire, and moral conflict through its major characters. Central to the story is the Chevalier des Grieux, a philosophical student who becomes infatuated with Manon Lescaut, a beautiful courtesan. Des Grieux's journey takes him from a seminary student to a priest, reflecting the tumultuous changes in his life as he grapples with his love for Manon, who alternates her affections between him and various wealthy men.
Supporting characters include Tiberge, a friend who tries to steer des Grieux away from his obsession, and Manon's unscrupulous brother, M. Lescaut, whose actions lead to his own demise. The narrative also features M. de B———, a man enamored with Manon, and M. de G——— M———, an elderly gentleman who becomes a victim of the lovers' deception.
Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, the story addresses themes of betrayal, societal expectations, and the consequences of passion. The Governor of New Orleans plays a pivotal role by obstructing des Grieux and Manon's union due to his nephew's affection for her, further complicating the lovers' plight. Overall, "Manon Lescaut" delves into the nuances of human relationships and the often painful intersection of love and ambition.
Manon Lescaut: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Abbé Prévost
First published: Histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut, 1731 (English translation, 1734); revised, 1753 (English translation, 1786)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France and New Orleans
Plot: Sentimental
Time: 1700
The Chevalier des Grieux (day gree-YEW), a student of philosophy at Amiens. He becomes a seminary student, a card cheat, and finally, returning from New Orleans after Manon's death, a priest.
Tiberge (tee-BEHRZH), a fellow student who urges des Grieux to forget Manon by studying religion at the Seminary of Saint-Supplice. He follows des Grieux to America and persuades him to return to France.
The Father of des Grieux, who gets his son released from jail but will not help Manon.
Manon Lescaut (mah-NOHN lehs-KOH), a pretty courtesan who attracts des Grieux. She also bestows her attentions on M. de B——— and later on M. de G——— M———, at the suggestion of her brother. She dies an exile in New Orleans.
M. Lescaut, of the Royal guards, the unscrupulous brother of Manon. He is killed by a man whose fortune he won at cards.
M. de B———, who is in love with Manon.
M. de G——— M———, a wealthy old man duped and robbed by des Grieux and Manon.
M. de G——— M——— Jr., the son, who comes to avenge his father but is won over by the charms of Manon.
M. de T———, who helps dupe young G——— M———. He is arrested by the police.
The Governor of New Orleans, who forbids the marriage of Manon and the chevalier because his nephew, Synnelet, loves her.
M. Synnelet (see-neh-LAY), who fights a duel with des Grieux over Manon in New Orleans.