Perfume The Story Of A Murderer Analysis
Introduction
Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer is a novel by Patrick Süskind published in 1985. It tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an 18th-century Frenchman who is born with no body odor but has a highly developed sense of smell. After discovering his passion for creating perfumes, Grenouille becomes obsessed with capturing the essence of beautiful young women and using it in his perfumes. This leads to a series of murders, and Grenouille eventually creates the perfect perfume that can make anyone love him.
The Characters
The main character, Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, is a complex and fascinating figure. He is a cold and calculating murderer, but at the same time, he is driven by his passion for creating the perfect perfume. Grenouille's lack of body odor makes him an outsider, and he becomes obsessed with capturing the essence of others. Other important characters include Madame Gaillard, who takes Grenouille in as a baby, and the beautiful young women whose scents Grenouille tries to capture.
The Themes
Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer explores several themes, including the power of scent, obsession, and the pursuit of perfection. The novel also raises questions about morality and the nature of evil. Grenouille is clearly a villain, but he is also a sympathetic character in some ways. The novel also explores themes of identity and belonging, as Grenouille struggles to find his place in society.
The Setting
The novel is set in 18th-century France, and Süskind does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere and mood of the time. The descriptions of the streets of Paris and the perfumeries are vivid and detailed, and the reader is transported to another time and place. The setting also plays an important role in the story, as Grenouille's obsession with scent is tied to the smells of the city.
The Plot
The plot of Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer is dark and twisted, but it is also compelling and well-crafted. Süskind does an excellent job of building tension and suspense throughout the novel, and the reader is drawn into Grenouille's world. The plot is also full of surprises, and the ending is both shocking and satisfying.
The Writing Style
Süskind's writing style is beautiful and evocative, and he has a gift for creating vivid and memorable images. The descriptions of the scents and smells in the novel are particularly well-done, and the reader can almost smell the perfumes that Grenouille creates. The prose is also well-crafted and engaging, and the novel is a pleasure to read.
The Reception
Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer has been widely praised for its originality and literary merit. The novel has been translated into dozens of languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. It has also been adapted into a successful film, directed by Tom Tykwer and starring Ben Whishaw as Grenouille.
Conclusion
Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer is a fascinating and thought-provoking novel that explores complex themes and characters. The novel is well-written and engaging, and it has become a modern classic. Whether you are interested in perfume, history, or just a good story, Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer is definitely worth reading.