# Gaudissart the Great explained — Parisians in the Country

> Chapter companion for Parisians in the Country by Honoré de Balzac.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/parisians_in_the_country_se/chapters/story-i-gaudissart-the-great
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/parisians_in_the_country_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/parisians_in_the_country_se/chapters