Napoleon Symphony: Analysis of Major Characters
"Napoleon Symphony: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex character dynamics surrounding Napoleon Bonaparte and other key figures in his life. The narrative presents Napoleon as a multifaceted individual—initially a successful general and later an emperor, whose personal and political ambitions often collide. His relationship with Josephine, his first wife, is marked by infatuation, betrayal, and eventually, divorce, reflecting his struggle between personal desires and the demands of statecraft.
The analysis also introduces Stapps, a German student whose assassination attempt on Napoleon underscores themes of tyranny and self-determination. Talleyrand emerges as a cunning political advisor, adept at navigating the shifting tides of power while maintaining a skeptical view of Napoleon's permanence. Other notable figures include Madame Germaine de Staël, an early critic of Napoleon, and Princess Marie Walewska, his Polish consort, each illustrating different societal responses to Napoleon's rule.
The interplay of these characters reveals the broader implications of Napoleon's actions on European politics and personal relationships, offering insights into the nature of power, loyalty, and legacy. Overall, the analysis provides a rich tapestry of interactions that shaped both the man and the era he influenced.
Napoleon Symphony: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Anthony Burgess
First published: 1974
Genre: Novel
Locale: Eastern Europe, Egypt, Elba, France, Italy, St. Helena, and the Mediterranean region
Plot: Historical
Time: 1795–1821
Napoleon Bonaparte, at first Buonaparte, a French general, a first consul, an emperor, and then a prisoner. He begins as a brilliantly successful general and rather incompetent and impatient lover; an introductory scene presents him as keeping everybody waiting for his wedding to the older widow Josephine, who already has two children and has been cast off as mistress by a member of the Directory. From the opening, Napoleon appears as an officer willing to use force to establish order and as ready to take chances; he is also sexually addicted to Josephine, to the point of absurdity. His Italian campaign keeps him from her for extended periods, however, and she is publicly unfaithful to him. He sublimates his sexual passions in military action, running up a string of successes; paradoxically, these make the politicians desperate to keep him in the field, away from the people and possible political activity of his own. Eventually, he comes to see through their partiality, and he discovers that he is passionately devoted to the Constitution and to the spread of republican principles. He recognizes this in part because he finally sees an opportunity to seize power. He also sees a chance to get his entire family in on the action, though they all have minds of their own. His first move is to invade Egypt, where everything falls apart: The English cut his supply line, his troops cannot adjust to the climate, and he learns that Josephine has been unfaithful again. His response in this situation is characteristic and establishes his pattern of response for the rest of his life. He acts, not always in complete understanding of the situation, and he is usually able to impose his will on others. In all of this, Napoleon simultaneously exhibits qualities of the great man and of the commoner, the hero and the fool; his endeavors and dreams are often magnificent but just as often petty and venal.
Josephine, actually Rose-Josef-Marie de Beauharnais, Napoleon's first wife. At first little more than a token in a political game—the bone that Barras offers to secure Napoleon's loyalty—Josephine at the outset treats Napoleon as an infatuated boy. She placates him when she must, but she keeps a stable of less importunate lovers. Eventually, however, she comes to appreciate his character, or at least his prominence. He, in turn, never gets over his infatuation with her. She proves incapable of conceiving a child by him, however, and Napoleon's dynastic ambitions make progeny imperative. Eventually, she agrees to a divorce, but he continues to seek her out, even after his remarriage.
Stapps, a German student who attempts to assassinate Napoleon and who is executed as a result. Although Napoleon attempts to discover some rational motive by interrogating Stapps, he cannot get beyond reiterated expressions of antityranny and mystical German self-determination. Stapps eventually proclaims that the destiny of Europe is intimately bound up with the recognition of the superiority of the German soul; it will prevail over all. Stapps refuses clemency, claiming that if he is released, he will try again. Reluctantly, Napoleon orders him shot. Later, while wandering the streets of Paris disguised as the common citizen Leon Laval, Napoleon happens on a Stapps look-alike, ironically a first cousin also named Stapps. He also insists that the future belongs to the Aryans.
Charles-Maurice Cardinal Talleyrand-Perigord, a bishop of the Roman Catholic church and political adviser to a succession of regimes; he eventually becomes Grand Chancellor of the Empire under Napoleon and survives him. Witty, sophisticated, erudite, and experienced, Talleyrand is the quint-essential professional politician, a true genius at manipulation and analysis, always managingtolandonhisfeetinany crisis. Although he advises Napoleon, he at no point indicates that he believes the emperor to be anything more than a temporary accident, a star for a moment, even a pawn.
Madame Germaine de Staël, an intellectual, sponsor of one of the most elegant literary societies of the 1790's. An intimate friend and possible mistress of Talleyrand, Madame de Staël is an early critic of Napoleon and as a result is forced to flee to Switzerland after his accession. Apparently, a sexual abnormality has much to do with her literary and social propensities.
Betsy Bascombe, the fifteen-to seventeen-year-old daughter of the East India Company agent at St. Helena Island, Napoleon's final prison and his deathplace. At first approaching the twice-defeated and humiliated emperor as the stock comic-strip villain of the English press, Betsy eventually learns that he is a human being and, hence, personable, approachable, and even lovable. Betsy illustrates one approach to Napoleon as hero.
Sir Hudson Lowe, the British administrator of Napoleon's imprisonment on St. Helena. He is responsible for the dietary and medical prescriptions that ensure Napoleon's early death.
Dr. Antommarchi, the Corsican physician appointed to attend Napoleon in exile by his mother. He protests in vain against the medical measures imposed on Napoleon's deathbed.
An unnamed female spirit, who debates Napoleon over his achievements as he lies dying. She provides the final estimate of Napoleon's heroism.
Alexander, the young czar of Russia. At first apparently caught up in the hero worship of Napoleon, Alexander seems easily persuaded to accept the emperor's views of political determinism during their conference at Tilsit. He even consents to enforce Napoleon's Continental System. Removed from the influence of Napoleon's personal force, however, he proves less tractable.
Princess Marie Walewska, a member of the Polish royal family whom Napoleon rescues from Cossacks during the invasion of Russia. She becomes his consort, his snow princess, during the invasion and retreat, and she bears his son. Later, she visits him on Elba and also communicates with Josephine.