This study presents a comparison of Honoré de Balzac’s La Peau de Chagrin and W. Somerset Maugham’s The Lotus Eater, focusing on the theme of pursuing desire and its consequences. By examining the protagonists’ motivations, life purposes, and the outcomes of their actions, the analysis reveals how each story critiques the pursuit of desires in distinct yet complementary ways. Balzac’s narrative employs a supernatural element to illustrate the existential cost of unbridled ambition, while Maugham’s tale portrays the gradual decline resulting from a life dedicated solely to pleasure. The study highlights the enduring relevance of these themes to modern life, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by instant gratification and escapism. These stories offer valuable insights into the potential pitfalls of a desire-driven existence, urging a reflection on the balance between ambition, pleasure, and responsibility in contemporary society.

Authors:
Hoang-Nam Tran, Tokushima University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Hoang-Nam Tran is currently an Associate Professor at Research Center for Higher Education, Tokushima University, Japan.

Additional website of interest
http://pub2.db.tokushima-u.ac.jp/ERD/person/321995/work-en.html

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