The first thing I noticed when starting Muriel Barbery’s The Elegance of the Hedgehog, was that the characters of Reneé and Paloma mirror each other in many ways. In fact, when the point of view switched from that of Reneé to Paloma, I didn’t even realize until she said, “I am twelve years old,” which counteracts with Reneé being fifty four in the previous chapter. I’m not sure how the book is formatted in print, but at least in my ebook, there is no heading or any other indication of the point of view switch. You have to just read and wait for some clue as to who’s narrative you are reading at that point. This was quite difficult for me for the most part because, like I said before, the two characters are so very much alike.
Both Renee …show more content…
After Renee passes away, Paloma decided that she will live for Renee, to find "those moments of always within never. [The odd moment of] beauty, in this world." I think this is only part of the reason for her change of heart. I think it goes back to the near mirror images these characters are. Renee gave Paloma a spark of hope when she stepped outside her box, a glimpse of what her life could be, and when Renee's life was taken so quickly and abruptly, Paloma realize that would be her. She would just be gone in an instant. Paloma knew the implications of death when she decided to end her life, but only from a distance, almost clinical, view. She didn’t take in account the real life implications of death. The loss people would feel, the aspect of "never", the loss of experiencing the small slices of beauty that can come from even the darkest moments. All would die with her and in that moment, she realized the importance of life, the wonder.
The characters of Renee and Paloma are kindred spirits, near mirror images of each other. They both live a lie, hiding their true selves due to the expectations of others. They don't live, but merely exist until they meet one another and nudge them from their facades. Renee drops the concierge stereotypes and makes a new friend in Ozu, someone she can fully be herself with, with the urging of Paloma, while Renee shows the importance, and perhaps meaning, of life through her
Both Renee …show more content…
After Renee passes away, Paloma decided that she will live for Renee, to find "those moments of always within never. [The odd moment of] beauty, in this world." I think this is only part of the reason for her change of heart. I think it goes back to the near mirror images these characters are. Renee gave Paloma a spark of hope when she stepped outside her box, a glimpse of what her life could be, and when Renee's life was taken so quickly and abruptly, Paloma realize that would be her. She would just be gone in an instant. Paloma knew the implications of death when she decided to end her life, but only from a distance, almost clinical, view. She didn’t take in account the real life implications of death. The loss people would feel, the aspect of "never", the loss of experiencing the small slices of beauty that can come from even the darkest moments. All would die with her and in that moment, she realized the importance of life, the wonder.
The characters of Renee and Paloma are kindred spirits, near mirror images of each other. They both live a lie, hiding their true selves due to the expectations of others. They don't live, but merely exist until they meet one another and nudge them from their facades. Renee drops the concierge stereotypes and makes a new friend in Ozu, someone she can fully be herself with, with the urging of Paloma, while Renee shows the importance, and perhaps meaning, of life through her