De Que Se Trata El Libro El Perfume
Introduction
"El Perfume" is a novel written by Patrick Süskind that was first published in 1985. It is a story about a man named Jean-Baptiste Grenouille who was born with no body odor but with an extraordinary sense of smell. The story is set in the 18th century in France and it follows Grenouille's journey to create the perfect scent, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
The Plot
The novel begins with Grenouille's birth in a fish market in Paris. His mother tries to kill him but he is saved and sent to an orphanage. As he grows up, he discovers his exceptional sense of smell and becomes obsessed with creating the perfect scent. He becomes an apprentice to a perfumer and learns the art of scent-making. However, he becomes frustrated with the limitations of his apprenticeship and decides to set out on his own.
Grenouille travels to Grasse, a town known for its perfumeries, and begins to experiment with different scents. He becomes particularly fixated on the scent of young women and begins to kill them to obtain their scent. He eventually succeeds in creating the perfect scent but is caught and executed for his crimes.
The Themes
One of the main themes of the novel is the power of scent. Süskind explores the idea that scent can evoke powerful emotions and memories. Grenouille's obsession with scent is a reflection of this theme, as he believes that the perfect scent can make him loved and accepted by others.
Another theme of the novel is the pursuit of perfection. Grenouille's quest to create the perfect scent leads him to commit horrific crimes. This theme is a commentary on the dangers of obsession and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their goals.
The Characters
The main character of the novel is Jean-Baptiste Grenouille. He is a complex character who is both sympathetic and repulsive. His lack of body odor and extraordinary sense of smell make him an outcast, but his obsession with scent leads him down a dark path.
Other important characters in the novel include Madame Gaillard, the woman who runs the orphanage where Grenouille is raised, and Giuseppe Baldini, the perfumer who takes Grenouille on as an apprentice.
The Reception
"El Perfume" has been widely praised for its vivid descriptions and unique storyline. It has been translated into numerous languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide. The novel has also been adapted into a successful film and stage production.
Conclusion
"El Perfume" is a captivating novel that explores the power of scent and the dangers of obsession. Süskind's vivid descriptions and compelling storyline make it a must-read for anyone interested in literature or the arts of scent-making.