Honoré de Balzac
Balzac ranks among the great master of the novel. Due to his observation of detail and unfiltered representation of society, Balzac is regarded as one of the founders of realism in European literature. He is renowned for his multi-faceted character; even his lesser characters are complex. An enthusiastic reader and independent thinker as a child, Balzac had trouble throughout his life which stunted his ambitions to succeed in the business world. When he finished school, Balzac was apprenticed as a legal clerk, but turned his back on law after becoming weary of its inhumanity and ordinary routine. Before and during his career as a writer, he attempted to be a publisher, printer, businessman, and politician but failed in each of these efforts. Balzac suffered from health problems throughout his life due to his intense writing schedule and high levels of stress. His relationship with his family was often strained by financial and personal drama. All of these factors combined prove why Balzac was often considered as an outcast of society.
Dai Sijie included Balzac’s novels and influence in Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. Sijie does this primarily because Balzac represents the reactionary spirit that Luo, Ma, and the Seamstress look up to and base their actions upon. Balzac believed that women were to be glorified for their beauty. This perspective portrayed through his works was the catalyst that caused the Seamstress to believe, “a woman’s beauty is a treasure beyond price” (184). Balzac’s separation from society is exemplified through Luo and Ma’s disengagement from the village’s views. Lastly, his disdain for politics is shared by Ma and Luo as they are disobedient to governmental policies. Even though Balzac’s presence was seemingly insignificant, it was his ideas that impacted each character’s progression the most. It was Balzac who taught Luo, Ma, and the Seamstress lessons that initially brought them close together, but ultimately tore them apart.
Dai Sijie included Balzac’s novels and influence in Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. Sijie does this primarily because Balzac represents the reactionary spirit that Luo, Ma, and the Seamstress look up to and base their actions upon. Balzac believed that women were to be glorified for their beauty. This perspective portrayed through his works was the catalyst that caused the Seamstress to believe, “a woman’s beauty is a treasure beyond price” (184). Balzac’s separation from society is exemplified through Luo and Ma’s disengagement from the village’s views. Lastly, his disdain for politics is shared by Ma and Luo as they are disobedient to governmental policies. Even though Balzac’s presence was seemingly insignificant, it was his ideas that impacted each character’s progression the most. It was Balzac who taught Luo, Ma, and the Seamstress lessons that initially brought them close together, but ultimately tore them apart.
