Volupté: Analysis of Major Characters
"Volupté: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and emotional struggles of its central figures, focusing on themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The narrative is largely driven by Amaury, a sensitive youth who becomes a priest after navigating complex romantic entanglements. His platonic love for Madame de Couaën, the wife of a marquis, contrasts sharply with his later, less fulfilling relationship with Madame R., a lonely woman grappling with her own disillusionment. Madame de Couaën embodies a deep, albeit unreturned, affection for Amaury while remaining devoted to her husband, highlighting the challenges of love in the face of duty.
The marquis de Couaën serves as a significant royalist figure whose arrest propels Amaury into a caretaker role, revealing the intertwining of personal and political strife. Other characters, such as Amélie de Liniers and royalist sympathizers Monsieur R. and Monsieur D., further enrich the narrative's social tapestry. Throughout the story, the characters grapple with their emotions and the consequences of their choices, leading to Amaury's eventual departure for America after a series of heart-wrenching realizations. This analysis provides a thoughtful examination of human relationships within a historical context, inviting readers to consider the deeper implications of love and sacrifice.
Volupté: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Charles-Augustin Sainte-Beuve
First published: 1834 (English translation, 1995)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France
Plot: Psychological
Time: Early nineteenth century
Amaury (ah-moh-REE), the narrator, later a priest. A sensitive, melancholy youth, he engages in a platonic love affair with Madame de Couaën after putting aside Amélie de Liniers, the young woman who loves him. When the marquis de Couaën is arrested, he takes over Madame de Couaën's affairs. When she rejoins her husband at Blois, Amaury has an unrewarding affair with Madame R. until he realizes the unhappiness he has caused three women. He takes holy orders and leaves for America soon after Madame de Couaën's death.
Madame de Couaën (deh kwah-EHN), the Irish wife of the marquis. She truly loves her husband and can return only platonic love for Amaury, yet she feels that no one can understand her as he does. She remains with her husband and is saddened by Amaury's affair with Madame R.
Madame R., the wife of a royalist sympathizer. Lonely and disillusioned, she becomes Amaury's constant companion in Paris. Although she refuses to become his mistress, she is jealous of his love for Madame de Couaën.
The marquis de Couaën, a friend of Amaury and an influential figure in royalist circles. He is arrested in Paris and later is sent to Blois.
Amélie de Liniers (ah-may-LEE deh leen-YAY), the granddaughter of Monsieur de Greneuc. She is the unmarried womaninAmaury'slife.
Monsieur R. and Monsieur D., royalist sympathizers.
Monsieur and Madame de Greneuc (deh greh-NUHK), friends of Amaury in his youth.
Monsieur Ploa (ploh-AH), Amaury's Latin teacher.