Parisians in the Country · Chapter
Gaudissart the Great explained
The story introduces Gaudissart, a traveling salesman who shifts from selling material goods to selling ideas, specifically subscriptions to periodicals.
What happens
The story introduces Gaudissart, a traveling salesman who shifts from selling material goods to selling ideas, specifically subscriptions to periodicals. He embarks on a provincial tour and arrives in Sancerre, where he encounters the superior woman, Dinah de la Baudraye, and attempts to sell subscriptions. However, he is mystified and outwitted by the provincial resistance, leading to his failure.
Themes in this chapter
Commerce and Capitalism
Gaudissart's shift from selling goods to selling ideas exemplifies the expansion of capitalist commerce into intellectual property.
Provincial Ambition and Vanity
The provincial society's resistance and outwitting of Gaudissart highlights local pride and vanity.
Characters to notice
- Gaudissart
The ambitious traveling salesman who shifts from selling goods to ideas and embarks on a provincial tour.
- Dinah de la Baudraye
The superior woman of Sancerre who outwits Gaudissart.
- Baron de la Baudraye
Dinah's husband, part of the provincial society that resists Gaudissart.
- Présidente de Boirouge
A member of Sancerre society involved in the provincial resistance.
Key passages
“Gaudissart the Great”
The story introduces Gaudissart as a legendary salesman.
The title establishes Gaudissart's reputation.
“Gaudissart Shifts from Goods to Ideas”
Gaudissart changes his sales focus from physical products to intellectual concepts.
This shift is central to the plot.
“Gaudissart Is Mystified and Outwitted”
Gaudissart is confused and tricked by the provincials.
The climax of the story.