Analysis Of Suskind's Perfume

During the Second World War, prisoners of the Nazi concentration camps were exposed to medical experimentation. In approximately seventy Nazi concentration camps, two hundred physicians were using around seven thousand prisoners to test their research. An ethical debate arose from these developments: were the atrocities committed acceptable because of the millions they allowed to be cured? Suskind’s exploration of enlightenment, in the post-World War Two text Perfume, can be perceived as a critique of this ethical debate. Suskind’s paradoxical setting development draws a comparison to the medical researchers. Also, through his characterisation and juxtaposition of the characters, the Marquis and Baldini, Suskind explores the opposing radical
Baldini is a key character in the text because he inspires Grenouille in his journey to create the ultimate scent. Furthermore, Suskind artfully utilises this character to illustrate that change was resisted. This can be seen in the quote “people... write tracts or so-called scientific masterpieces that put anything and everything in question... God didn’t make the world in seven days, it’s said, but over millions of years, if it was He at all... and the earth is no longer round like it was, but flat on the top and bottom like a melon-as if that made a damn bit of difference!” (Suskind 59). This quote conveys Baldini’s opinion towards enlightenment. (Instead of opinion, maybe skepticism?) Suskind uses diction including: “so-called”, “as if” and “it’s said” to create a sarcastic sematic field. This is because the conditional terms position the reader to perceive Baldini’s doubt regarding the “scientific” developments. (Join the sentence maybe? Suskind uses diction including “so called… quotes” to create a sarcastic sematic field, which positions the reader to perceive Baldini’s doubt regarding “scientific” development.) Moreover, he develops a ranting tone through the pace forced by listing. Suskind’s use of these techniques helps the reader to understand Baldini’s contempt towards enlightenment. Furthermore, Suskind’s belittlement of
This representation can translate to suggest Suskind’s perspective towards the supporters of the medical experimentation. The significance of the character, of the Marquis lies in his role of helping Grenouille realise the importance of appearance. Furthermore, this character is also key to Suskind's exploration of Enlightenment. The Marquis' character acts as a hyperbolic example of the acceptance of the age of reason. This is evident in the quote “The earth itself constantly emits a corrupting gas, a so-called fluidum letale… which is why their most valuable parts are lifted heavenwards: the ears of grain, the blossom of flowers, the head of man” (Suskind 145). This quote explains the Marquis’ new scientific theory. Suskind directly critiques the Marquis through his use of dramatic irony. This is because both the reader and the writer know this theory is false. As a result, the character of the Marquis is cast as gullible. Suskind is artfully setting the reader up to also disagree with those who accept enlightenment. Moreover, Suskind uses dark humour when the Marquis “wanted to become borne to the summit at nine thousand feet and left there in the sheerest, finest vitale air for three whole weeks, whereupon, he announced, he would descend from the mountain precisely on Christmas Eve a strapping lad of twenty” (Suskind 167). Suskind’s