As far as characters go in Suite Française, I am most intrigued by the Michauds. Part of my intrigue stems from the fact that
they seem to have the most down to earth relationship of any of the other
characters and their actions do not seem to have any ulterior motives, and I
just get the vibe that they are genuinely good people. Most of the basis for my argument stems from
the scenario they are faced with in chapter 8.
On page 42, Nemirovsky describes a precarious and less than ideal
situation in which the Michauds find themselves. Their boss has decided give their seats in
his car to his mistress and dog after assuring them they would have a place in
his car. Rather than being apologetic,
Corbin, the boss, criticizes Maurice’s energy level saying he “must really try
to be more dynamic” in his work (42). It
is beyond me how Maurice didn’t throw a punch or something. This is utterly ridiculous. Rather Maurice makes one snide comment after
they’ve been left in the dust, and him and his wife laugh about it all. Who does this? Who are these people? They literally just got passed over for a
dog.
Although this is my second time reading Suite Française, I can remember having the same reaction over
winter break and being incredulous over how passive the Michauds were about the
situation. I just don’t get it; I feel
like when placed in a situation like that, which actually has the potential to
be life and death, you should put up some type of fight, not necessarily
physical, for what is right unless you are just too good of a person, in which
case power to you, but come one…who is that good of a person? The Michaud’s actions certainly earned my
respect though, and I find myself rooting for them round two!
Very interesting thoughts, Anna. My reaction was less a sense of surprise or indignation rather than rueful recognition. Given the class dynamic and power relationship between the Michauds--low-level employees of the bank--and Corbin, who is Director of the bank, and given the sexual relationship between Corbin and Arlette--one can foresee that, if anything goes awry here, it is the Michauds who are likely to lose. It is not fair, but there is no law against it, and Corbin knows (or thinks he knows... ^_^) that they are helpless to get back at him. The scene reveals humanity at its worst: Arlette manipulates Corbin with jealousy and his rage gives way to acquiescence. Sexual desire wins out over propriety, and the little people literally are left behind in the dust. No wonder they laugh about it (in a rueful--"can you believe it?--kind of way). It is such a common occurrence, since the world began....
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