The New Héloïse: Analysis of Major Characters
"The New Héloïse" is a seminal work exploring the intricate emotional and social dynamics of love and duty through its major characters. At the center of the narrative is Julie d'Étange, an aristocratic young woman who grapples with her profound love for her tutor, M. Saint-Preux. Their relationship is fraught with tension as societal expectations and her impending marriage to M. de Wolmar threaten to tear them apart. M. Saint-Preux, characterized by his exceptional sensibility, struggles with the anguish of lost love, particularly as he is unable to marry Julie due to her father's ambitions for her. The story also introduces Claire, Julie's cousin, who harbors her own feelings for Saint-Preux, adding complexity to the love triangle. Supporting characters like Lord Edward Bomston and Baron d'Étange highlight the societal pressures that influence the decisions of the main characters, particularly regarding issues of class and familial duty. Meanwhile, Julie's mother, Mme d'Étange, represents a potential ally for the lovers, though her early death prevents her from intervening. This rich character tapestry serves to underscore the themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle against societal constraints in 18th-century France.
The New Héloïse: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Jean-Jacques Rousseau
First published: Julie: Ou, La Nouvelle Héloïse, 1761 (Julie: Or, The New Héloïse, 1761)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Switzerland
Plot: Philosophical
Time: Early eighteenth century
Julie d'Étange (zhew-LEE day-TAHNZH), an aristocratic French girl who falls in love with her tutor, Saint-Preux, and fears she may fall victim to her love, as she does. When her lover is dismissed shortly before her marriage to another man, she almost dies of grief. She and her lover consider their love no sin. Finally, Julie has to marry M. de Wolmar and has two children by him, though she never forgets Saint-Preux. When she is dying, she asks that he become her children's tutor and marry her cousin Claire.
M. Saint-Preux (sahn-PREW), a young Swiss of unusual talents and sensibility. He becomes tutor to Julie and her cousin Claire. He and Julie fall in love, but they are not permitted to marry. Only the good influence of his friend, Lord Bomston, keeps the emotional Saint-Preux from committing murder or suicide when Julie has to marry M. de Wolmar.
Claire, Julie's cousin and companion. She, too, loves Saint-Preux and expresses a desire to marry him, after she has become a widow.
Lord Edward Bomston, an English lord who becomes Saint-Preux's good friend. Before he knows of the affair between Julie and Saint-Preux, he courts Julie. Later, he is kind enough to offer to take the lovers as his pensioners if they elope and move to England. He also tries on their behalf to persuade Baron d'Étange to permit Julie and Saint-Preux to marry.
Baron d'Étange, Julie's father. He wants his daughter to marry his friend, M. de Wolmar. He is so proud of his class and lineage that he will not hear of a marriage between Julie and Saint-Preux.
Mme d'Étange, Julie's mother. She might have permitted Julie's marriage to Saint-Preux, but she dies before she can help the lovers.
M. de Wolmar (deh vohl-MAHR), whom Julie marries.