The importance of Manuela in Muriel Barbery's
The Elegance of the Hedgehogis that she serves as the connection
between the reader and the main character of Renee (Mdme Michel). It is clear that
Renee holds a secret that intrigues just about everyone from Ozu, to Paloma, to us as
the reading audience. Manuela is the only person who knows that secret. She has been the
one person who has faithfully remained by Renee's side since prior to the death of
Renee's husband. After all, she is the typical matron maid of a lot of families in the
building.
The secret, as we know, is that Renee's sister is
violated by an employer of the upper class, and dies after giving birth. This situation
not only shamed the family, but increase and solidified Renee's prejudices against the
upper classes. The class system in France at this time is extremely snobbish and
separatist. Renee belongs to the lower part of the system. She feels as if she cannot
win for even trying. Manuela's support is the factor that eases Renee's inner
fears.
Therefore, Manuela is the link of Renee to her past,
her present, and her future.
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