Thérèse: Analysis of Major Characters
"Thérèse Desqueyroux" presents a complex exploration of its major characters against a backdrop of emotional conflict and societal expectations. Thérèse, the protagonist, is a reflective woman disillusioned by her marriage to the materialistic Bernard Desqueyroux. Her yearning for genuine connection leads her to Jean Azévédo, which culminates in a dramatic attempt to poison her husband. Bernard, despite his pride as a landowner, chooses to conceal Thérèse's actions to avoid scandal, reflecting his own flawed values. Their daughter, Marie, becomes entwined in this narrative as she pursues a relationship with Georges Filhot, who paradoxically falls for Thérèse. The character dynamics shift further as Thérèse grapples with guilt and paranoia, ultimately leading to her return home and a quest for inner peace. This narrative intricately weaves themes of love, betrayal, and the search for identity, inviting readers to consider the psychological and emotional landscapes of its characters.
Thérèse: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: François Mauriac
First published: Thérèse Desqueyroux, 1927 (English translation, 1928)
Genre: Novel
Locale: France
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Twentieth century
Thérèse Desqueyroux (tay-REHZ dehs-keh-REW), a charming, introspective woman and the wife of Bernard Desqueyroux. Disgusted by her marriage to a materialistic husband, she is attracted by Jean Azévédo, her sister-in-law's lover. She tries to poison Bernard and is saved from conviction only by his desire to avoid scandal. Bernard allows her to move to Paris, where, years later, she is found by her daughter Marie, who has followed her lover there. Thérèse tries to help Marie, only to find that the lover, Georges Filhot, loves her, not her daughter. She confesses to him her crimes, real and imaginary, and advises him to break with Marie. She then sinks into a paranoiac state, imagining plots against her. Marie takes her back home, where, regaining her sanity, she prepares for death and deliverance from herself.
Bernard Desqueyroux, her husband, a provincial landowner filled with family pride and love of possessions. When Thérèse tries to poison him, he invents an explanation that saves her, thus avoiding scandal.
Marie Desqueyroux, their daughter, in love with Georges Filhot.
Georges Filhot (zhohrzh fee-LOT), a student, Marie's lover; later, he is in love with Thérèse.
Anne de la Trave (ahn deh lah trahv), Bernard's half sister, who is in love with Jean Azévédo.
Jean Azévédo (zhahn ah-zay-vay-DOH), a young intellectual, in love with Anne but attracted to Thérèse.