TheDreaMaker

     I have been reading Romain Rolland’s <<Jean-Christophe>> since last

month. The violent, absurd, clumsy, yet stoic, ethic, ardent gifted boy

will doubtlessly live a splendid life through agony and ecstasy. Since

the death of his grandfather, who profoundly loved and understood him,

Christophe is left to guide himself alone at a very young age. In vain

does the poor boy search what is the meaning of his life. But, somehow

his instinct, stronger than his will and intelligence, manages to bring

him back whenever he is lost. Christophe is a blessed child whose

pureness, vitality, and passion prevent him from corruption and

nourish him to compose eternal music.   

     What does harm Christophe the most is his ill-temper and vain,

for those two blind him from revealing sly tricks and make him act

grumpily. If there was a mentor who could fill his heart with tender

love and aid him, then he wouldn’t have been so ill-humored and

would suffer less from himself.

     Ironically, the person who inspires Christophe the most is

his uncle from his mother’s side, a disregarded little peddler.

His uncle is very honest and religious. His sincerity and respect

for life teach Christophe more than any scholar could. The little

peddler always comes back in time to direct his nephew in a

most unintentional way. The dignity of the little peddler surpasses

those who look down on him, for dignity depends on character,

not wealth, fame, or knowledge.

     I am done with The Dawn, Morning, and Youth. The next chapter

is Revolt. I hope to finish <<Jean-Christophe>>, a book as thick as

dictionary, before I graduate next spring.