The Disciple: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Disciple: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the complex dynamics and moral dilemmas faced by key figures in a narrative exploring philosophical themes and the consequences of human actions. At the center is Adrien Sixte, a philosopher whose deterministic worldview is challenged by the turmoil surrounding his disciple, Robert Greslou. Robert, portrayed as a bright yet reckless student, tests Adrien's theories through manipulative actions that lead to tragic outcomes, including the suicide of Charlotte, the daughter of a nobleman. The narrative also features Charlotte’s brothers, André and Lucien, each representing different facets of response to tragedy and moral failure. André, motivated by vengeance for his sister's death, contrasts with the more innocent and naive Lucien. The interplay between these characters reveals profound questions about responsibility, guilt, and the impact of one’s choices on others. This analysis offers a rich exploration of character motivations and philosophical implications, inviting readers to reflect on the broader themes of ethics and human behavior.
The Disciple: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Paul Bourget
First published: Le Disciple, 1889 (English translation, 1898)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paris and Riom
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Late nineteenth century
Adrien Sixte (ah-DRYEHN seekst), a brilliant philosopher, teacher, and writer who develops a deterministic theory that each effect comes from a cause, and that if all causes are known, results can be predicted accurately in all forms of human activity. The strict regularity of his life is interrupted by Robert's arrest, and his reading of Robert's confessional manuscript makes him feel morally responsible for Robert's acts. Again, at Robert's funeral, Adrien feels a moral guilt in the death of his disciple.
Robert Greslou (grehs-LEW), his disciple, a precocious student of philosophy who tests his master's theory by seducing Charlotte after providing causes that produce the result he wishes to achieve. Pretending to enter a suicide pact, he spends a night with her, then repudiates the pact and leaves. Arrested on suspicion of murder, he is willing to die to keep Charlotte's suicide a secret, but he is acquitted after André's testimony. As they reach the street after the trial, André shoots Robert in the head.
M. de Jussat (zhew-SAH), a hypochondriac and a boorish nobleman.
Charlotte, his beautiful young daughter who, suffering from discovery of Robert's duplicity, drinks strychnine after writing a suicide note to André.
André, her older brother, an army officer fond of hunting and riding. Influenced by Adrien to free Robert from the murder charge, he then avenges his sister's seduction and death.
Lucien (lew-SYAHN), Charlotte's younger brother, a fat, simple boy of thirteen who is tutored by Robert.