We are often told to look for the good in the people around us, especially the people we dislike. The book “Suite Francaise” shows examples of peoples’ enemies that turned out to be much more pleasant and good-natured that expected, but I also shows people who, even when pressed with love, projected only hatred and contempt. As soldiers approach a small village, all the people in the village shut themselves in their houses due to their fear of the Germans. When the soldiers arrive the villagers realize they are not that bad at all. As a boy gazes upon the soldier he hears, “shouting, laughter, singing”(103). These are not the sounds they expected to hear, and are just what you would expect from any victorious soldier. While the thought of France being taken over is still painful for the boy, he the soldiers were much more human that earlier predicted by all. The opposite of this was also seen as Father Pericand leads a group of juvenile delinquents out of Paris. The priest doesn’t admit it, but can’t stand being around the children. He tries to be friendly and share God’s love, but he realizes, “their souls were shut off, walled up”(136). As the priest doesn’t enjoy the company of the children, he still tries to find some joy in their souls, but ends up finding none. The book sends mixed messages on regards to what to expect from those you don’t get along with. The book is consistent however, in that it always shows examples of people attempting to change their perception of others.
Another idea brought up in “Suite Francaise” is that with the right expectations many situations will turn out to be not so bad. A woman grieves in the absence of her son who is off fighting in the war. This grief is fueled by her continual search for him whenever troops pass by. This bad expectation for her son to turn up makes the situation much worse, and brings out her pain each time. This change of expectations ends up helping Gabriel Corte, a snobby, rich celebrity. When he finally finds a room to stay in at a familiar hotel, Gabriel is given a room on the 4th floor, much below his usual standards. In response to an apology for the bad accommodations, Gabriel says, “nothing matters at the moment”(157). Gabriel is used to the top floor, but has changed his expectations and thus is not disappointed and actually relieved by any room he can get. The responses of the characters in this novel support that with adjusted expectations, many situations aren’t as bad as they may seem.
Nemirovsky, Irene. “Suite Francaise”. New York: Random House, 2006.
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5 comments:
I like all of the themes that you pulled out of the book. It sounds interesting, and that a lot is happening for it to have so many different messages that are being sent out.
I like how you discuss the ideas of seeing good in others and changing preceptions. These are things that not only fit within the context of the novel, but with people's own lives. I also like what you note about seeing good in others, especially the thing about the villagers recognizing the German soldiers as real people. Even if they were the enemy, the soldiers too have their own lives and histories.
I think your comment on how when people get their expectations set at a really high standard, its easier for them to get hurt by the actual outcome. Great job putting your ideas together.
I agree that sometimes people may seem bad, but are actually good. I agree that sometimes the same is opposite. I definitely know of some friends that I have now, whom I hated before I actually got to know them. Nice analysis, I can clearly see the change in perception of people.
I think it is interesting how in tradgedy or positions of power people show their true colors. The soldiers have so much power over the French village, but are still happy and humane. We see that they are actually nice people. The juvenile delinquents refuse to be polite and open to the priest even though they have nothing to gain by being rude. A woman shows how much she loves her son when he is no longer with her and is in danger. The celebrity humbles himself when he cannot get the best hotel room because there are much worse things than not having the best room. Hopefully more people will prove themselves to be kind and helpful and the French will be able to stop the Germans.
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