The Balance

In reading through the blog posts of my classmates, I have noticed a trend in conversation about the different depictions of social class the Irene Nemirovsky presents in Suite Francaise. I am also intrigued by the ever-present distinctions between the middle class (which seem to fulfill my visions of what an upper class experience might be like) and the working class poor. The juxtaposition of these two, opposite lifestyles provides a depth to each individual narrative, especially as the characters' plot lines wind together in subtle, interesting ways. 

But as I continued to read through the chapters, I began to see a general, constant theme in emotions and experiences between characters. While the specific trials and tribulations of each individual are indeed quite different, they are all tired, confused, hopeless, hungry, and desperate for the war to be over. When looked at on a bigger scale, the class differences seem to fade into the background and we begin to see the mood of the nation as a collective experience. For in a certain way, each person is pushed to his or her limit, forced to experience trials and discomfort relative to the context of their own lives. While Gabriel Corte is concerned with whether or not he can slum it for a night in a bed close to the roof, the Michauds are sick with worry for their enlisted son. But for each, perhaps this is the most trying situation they can handle. In this way, war and chaos provide somewhat of an equalizing balance for the population. Everyone is in the same metaphorical boat, regardless of his or her previous social position or economic worth.