Perfume By Patrick Suskind: Does Death Induce Equality?

Does Death Induce Equality?
According to English poet, Phillip James Bailey, "the sole equality on earth is death". Bailey's criticism on the extent of equality parallels Patrick Suskind's compelling commentary on equality in his novel Perfume. Suskind furthers the notion that death induces equality, through the manipulation of two techniques: total disregard for human life and the insignificance of the manner in which death occurs. Suskind establishes a connection between Grenouille, the protagonist and outcast of the novel, to the rest of humanity with numerous scenes of death. In addition, the minor characters and Grenouille possess similar desires, experiences and behaviors, which further Suskind's analysis of equality. Also, Suskind …show more content…
In this case, solitude and death become equivalent. Characters' need for solitude indicates their disregard for a life or several lives. Disregard for life is ultimately death, since when one disregards life it is as if life does not exist at all. Characters' need for solitude accentuates their sense of security. There is atleast one instance, where Grenouille and other characters have a need to isolate themselves from the rest of humanity in an effort to avoid the sources of their fears or contempt. Grenouille's need for solitude results from his growing intoxication of humanity. The more the landscape reeks of humanity's perfume, the more insecure Grenouille feels and the more he yearns for isolation. Inside the cave where Grenouille seeks solitude, "never in his life had he felt so secure, certainly not in his mother's belly" (Suskind 122). The cave where Grenouille resides, serves as his safe haven, his place of absolute protection from the group he disdains: humanity. Grenouille migrates to this cave to seek security. Comparably, Richis discerns his daughter, Laure, is next in the series of murders that have recently taken place, which would be detrimental to Richis' social stature. As a result of his fear, Richis "would ferry across with Laure to the Iles de Lèrins, on the smaller of which was located the well-fortified monastery of Saint-Honorat" where they will reside in solitude until Laure's wedding day (Suskind 207-208). Similar to Grenouille, Richis transports his daughter to Iles de Lèrin in an effort to combat his fear and to acquire a sense of security. Again, Suskind connects Grenouille and humanity, particularly Richis in this instance. Both Grenouille and Richis exhibit a similar behavior-- the two seek solitude to avoid discomfort from their fears or contempt, which consequently provides