The Wild Ass's Skin: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Wild Ass's Skin" explores the life of Raphael de Valentin, a young man who experiences the highs and lows of life through the lens of a magical object—a wild ass's skin that grants wishes but slowly diminishes in size, ultimately leading to dire consequences. As a struggling law student and writer in Paris, Raphael's initial excitement over the skin's powers leads to ephemeral pleasures, including wealth and romance, yet he remains haunted by an underlying dissatisfaction as the skin shrinks with each wish. His friend Rastignac plays a pivotal role in Raphael's life by introducing him to influential circles and aiding him financially, showcasing the intertwining of friendship and ambition in their social landscape.
Raphael's eventual marriage to Pauline de Valentin adds complexity to his character arc; she initially admires him and supports him through financial struggles, only to face despair as her husband approaches death. The enigmatic Countess Foedora serves as an object of Raphael's unrequited love, embodying themes of desire and unattainable aspirations. Through these characters, the narrative delves into the consequences of greed, the nature of happiness, and the inevitability of fate, offering a rich exploration of human relationships and the cost of one's choices.
The Wild Ass's Skin: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Honoré de Balzac
First published: La Peau de chagrin, 1831 (English translation, 1896)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paris, France
Plot: Allegory
Time: Early nineteenth century
Raphael de Valentin (rah-fa-EHL deh vah-lehn-TAN), a reckless young man who learns that one must pay for everything in life. A poor, struggling law student and writer, he finds a wild ass's skin with magic powers in an antique shop in Paris. The skin grants all his wishes but shrinks in size with each wish; when it disappears, the owner dies. Raphael uses the magic powers to find material happiness with money, food, drink, and women. The skin keeps shrinking, however, and as it does he becomes unhappy again. He finds a brief respite when he marries his former landlady's daughter, but death approaches inexorably.
Rastignac (rahs-teen-YAHK), an adventurer and gambler. A friend of Raphael de Valentin, he finds work for Raphael as a hack writer and editor by introducing him to influential friends, including Countess Foedora. On occasion, he gambles on Raphael's account, winning large sums of money for him.
Pauline de Valentin, Raphael's wife, whom he marries shortly before his death. Pauline's first appearance is as the daughter of Raphael's landlady. Pauline admires him and does household chores for him; she even gives him money from her little hoard. When she meets Raphael later, she is rich, her long-lost father, an army captain believed lost in Siberia, having returned home with a fortune. She tries to commit suicide by strangling herself when she sees her husband dying.
Foedora (few-doh-RAH), a mysterious countess. She is a widow but refuses to marry a second time or take a lover, much to the disappointment of Raphael, who loves her passionately.
Emile (ay-MEEL), a friend to whom Raphael tells the story of his unhappy life. Emile merely laughs at his friend's troubles.
Mme Gaudin (goh-DAN), Raphael's mother-in-law and erstwhile landlady.