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.
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