Sappho: Analysis of Major Characters
The analysis of major characters in the context of Sappho presents a diverse array of figures, primarily centered around the character of Fanny Legrand, a fifty-year-old courtesan. Fanny is depicted as intelligent and experienced, having had numerous relationships with men of various backgrounds. Her complex dynamic with Jean Gaussin, a young student aspiring for a diplomatic career, highlights the themes of love and attraction across age differences. Despite Jean's deep affection for Fanny, he ultimately struggles with his engagement to the innocent Irène, reflecting the challenges of contrasting lifestyles and expectations.
Other notable characters include Déchelette, a wealthy engineer who funds Fanny's lifestyle while living a dual existence between Paris and his construction projects, and Flamant, an engraver who shares a child with Fanny after serving time for counterfeiting. The narrative also introduces Caoudal, a sculptor, and La Gournerie, a poet, who provide insight into Fanny's artistic and emotional influences. Additionally, the subplot involving Césaire Gaussin, Jean's uncle, and his financial misadventures adds layers to the exploration of familial loyalty and sacrifice. Overall, the character analysis reveals intricate relationships shaped by love, ambition, and societal roles.
Sappho: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alphonse Daudet
First published: Sapho, 1884 (English translation, 1886)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paris, France
Plot: Naturalism
Time: Nineteenth century
Fanny Legrand (leh-GRAHN), an intelligent, shrewd, and completely feminine prostitute. She is fifty years old and has been mistress to many men of various occupations and professions. She ends her days with one of her first lovers and their child.
Jean Gaussin (zhahn goh-SAN), a student from the south of France who has come to Paris to prepare himself for a diplomatic career. He meets the experienced courtesan Fanny Legrand and, attracted by her sophistication, falls in love with her despite the great difference in their ages. After they have lived together for a time, Fanny's hold on Jean is so strong that his naïve fiancée has little attraction for him. When he is awarded a post in South America, he breaks his engagement and begs Fanny to go with him. Unwilling to leave Paris, she declines his offer.
Déchelette (daysh-LEHT), a wealthy engineer who spends most of his time on construction projects far from France. For two months of the year, however, he lives in Paris, where he hosts lavish parties and enjoys the society of his native city. Fanny has been his mistress, and he has shared his wealth with her.
Flamant (flah-MAHN), an engraver who goes to prison for counterfeiting bank notes. Fanny and Flamant have had a child. After Flamant is released from prison, the three settle down to live as a family.
Caoudal (kah-ew-DAHL), a sculptor with whom Fanny lives for a short time. He does a figure of Sappho for which Fanny is the model.
La Gournerie (lah gewr-neh-REE), a poet who keeps Fanny for several years. It was he who taught Fanny the colorful language she uses on occasion.
Césaire Gaussin (say-ZAHR), Gaussin's ne'er-do-well uncle, who comes to Paris to collect an old debt of eight thousand francs to pay off Gaussin's parents' indebtedness resulting from a crop failure. When Césaire gambles away the money he has collected, Fanny, out of her love for Gaussin, gets eight thousand francs from Déchelette, gives it to Césaire, and sends him back home.
Rosario (Rosa) Sanches (roh-SAH-ree-oh SAHN-chehs), a wealthy composer's mistress for whom Fanny manages an apartment for a short time.
Tatave de Potter (tah-TAHV deh poh-TAY), Rosa's lover, a famous composer. He is hated by his wife and unknown to his children because he is obsessively attracted to Rosa. His story profoundly impresses Gaussin.
Bouchereau (bew-sheh-ROH), an eminent physiologist who befriends Gaussin.
Irène (ee-REHN), Bouchereau's niece and Gaussin's innocent, naïve fiancée. Irène's simple charm, however, is not sufficient to attract permanently a man who has loved the sophisticated Fanny, and Gaussin breaks the engagement.