The Princess of Clèves: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Princess of Clèves" is a novel set in the French royal court, focusing on the complex emotional landscape of its characters, particularly the titular character, the Princess de Clèves. The princess is depicted as a virtuous woman who experiences deep emotional turmoil upon encountering the charming Duke de Nemours, despite being married to a prince who is concerned about her feelings. The narrative explores themes of love, fidelity, and societal expectations, as the princess grapples with her feelings for the duke while remaining loyal to her deceased husband.
Other significant characters include the Duke de Nemours, portrayed as a handsome and gallant courtier who respects the princess's virtue, and the Queen Dauphine, Mary, Queen of Scots, who serves as a friend and confidante to the princess. The Vidame de Chartres, the princess's uncle, attempts to facilitate a relationship between the widow and the duke after her husband's passing. Central to the story is the tension between personal desire and social obligation, exemplified by the struggles of the princess and her husband, who ultimately succumbs to illness due to the emotional strain of their relationship.
The narrative is rich with courtly intrigue, involving figures like Catherine de' Medici and Diane de Poitiers, who represent the political factions within the royal court. Overall, "The Princess of Clèves" offers a profound reflection on the conflict between duty and passion, making it a significant work in the exploration of romantic and moral dilemmas in literature.
The Princess of Clèves: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Madame de La Fayette
First published: La Princesse de Clèves, 1678 (English translation, 1679)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France
Plot: Love
Time: Sixteenth century
The Princess de Clèves (deh klehv), a beautiful young woman married to a Prince of the royal household. She is a virtuous, even passionless, woman who disappoints her husband with her lack of ardor. Unlike most courtiers, she has no extramarital affairs. When she meets the duke de Nemours, she feels emotion for him but tries to put it down, even enlisting her husband's aid. After her husband's death, she refuses to marry the duke and withdraws from society, even to the point of entering a convent for a time.
ThePrincedeClèves, a member of the royal family. He tries to help his wife suppress her love for the duke de Nemours. When he thinks his wife has fallen from virtue, he becomes ill of a fever and, rather than stand in his wife's way, languishes and dies.
The Duke de Nemours (new-MEWR), the handsomest and most gallant courtier in France. He is even spoken of as a possible consort for Elizabeth I of England. He falls in love with the princess de Clèves, but cannot turn her from being faithful to her husband.
The Queen Dauphine (doh-FEEN), Mary, Queen of Scots, who is a friend of the princess de Clèves.
The Vidame de Chartres (vee-DAHM deh SHAHRT-reh), an uncle of the princess de Clèves. He tries to bring his niece and the duke de Nemours together after the girl is widowed.
MmedeChartres, the mother of the princess de Clèves. She is ambitious to see her daughter marry a prince.
Henri II (ahn-REE), the king of France.
DianedePoitiers (dee-AHN deh pwah-TYAY), the duchess de Valentinois, King Henri's adviser. She was his father's mistress and is now the center of a court clique.
Catherine de Mèdicis, the queen of France and wife of Henri II. She leads the faction opposed to her rival, Diane de Poitiers. She seeks the friendship of the Vidame de Chartres.