Tartarin of Tarascon: Analysis of Major Characters
"Tartarin of Tarascon" features a whimsical exploration of its titular character, Tartarin, a self-proclaimed huntsman from the town of Tarascon in southern France. Known for his eccentric personality, Tartarin boasts a collection of weapons from around the world, yet he has never ventured far beyond his own garden, where he cultivates tropical plants. His adventures take a comedic turn as he embarks on a lion hunt in Africa, but his aspirations lead him to an unlikely encounter with a tame, blind lion, resulting in humorous consequences that culminate in him selling his weapons to pay for the mishap.
Key characters include Prince Grégory, a Montenegrin nobleman who initially captivates Tartarin with tales of adventure but ultimately departs with Tartarin’s money. Baïa, a Moorish widow, diverts Tartarin's attention from hunting with her charm and performances, while Captain Barbassou, the wise ship commander, attempts to guide Tartarin with practical advice that goes unheeded. Additionally, Commander Bravida represents the community's perspective, urging Tartarin to pursue the lion hunt he has long boasted about, and Madame Bézuquet serves as Tartarin's social companion, engaging in musical performances with him. Through these characters, the narrative satirizes themes of bravado, delusion, and the contrast between fantasy and reality.
Tartarin of Tarascon: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alphonse Daudet
First published: Aventures prodigieuses de Tartarin de Tarascon, 1872 (English translation, 1875)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France and North Africa
Plot: Satire
Time: Nineteenth century
Tartarin (tahr-tah-RAN), a huntsman of Tarascon who distinguishes himself by growing a garden full of tropical plants in the south of France, keeping a full arsenal of weapons of all nations, using the firearms to shoot holes through the caps of his friends, explaining to citizens the wonders of the mysterious East (though he has never been there), and going on an African lion hunt. In his quest for the beast, he invades Algerian village squares, private gardens, and Muhammadan convent grounds, but he never quite arrives at the lion-infested veldt his numerous noble weapons deserve. He does get his lion, though—a tame, blind, toothless convent pet that comes ambling toward him down the path to a saint's tomb. Tartarin has to sell all of his fine weapons to pay the damages for slaughtering the unfortunate creature.
Prince Grégory (gray-goh-REE), a Montenegrin nobleman and Tartarin's shipmate aboard the Zouave. He locates a Moorish maiden who has stolen Tartarin's heart, accompanies him on a lion hunt, and finally vanishes with his purse.
Baïa (bi-YAH), a twenty-year-old Moorish widow who distracts Tartarin from his hunting mission for a time. They take a house in the native quarter and Baïa entertains her lord, now called Sidi Tart'ri ben Tart'ri, with monotonous songs and the belly dance.
Captain Barbassou (bahr-bah-SEW), the commander of the Zouave, the ship that takes Tartarin to Algiers. Wise in the ways of the world, he gives Tartarin some good advice about Montenegrin princes and Moorish widows. Tartarin, unfortunately, does not heed the captain's advice.
Commander Bravida (brah-vee-DAH), a Tarasconese dignitary who, representing community opinion, finally orders Tartarin to leave for Africa and the lion hunt that he has been discussing for months.
Madame Bézuquet (bay-zew-KAY), Tartarin's singing partner at social events.