The Illustrious Gaudissart  (Paperback, Honoré de Balzac)

In "Gaudissart II," Balzac revisits the character Félix Gaudissart, who previously appeared in the short story "The Illustrious Gaudissart" ("L'Illustre Gaudissart"). Félix Gaudissart is a traveling salesman known for his charming and persuasive salesmanship. He has earned the title of an "illustrious traveler" due to his ability to adapt his sales pitch to different products and customers. In this story, Gaudissart returns to a small provincial town and encounters a new challenge. The town's residents are not easily swayed by his sales tactics, and they see through his attempts to win them over. Gaudissart's efforts to sell his products face resistance and skepticism from the locals. Balzac uses "Gaudissart II" to further explore the themes of salesmanship, persuasion, and the dynamics of business in 19th-century France. The story offers a satirical commentary on the world of sales and marketing, particularly in the context of provincial towns and the attitudes of their residents. While "Gaudissart II" may not be as well-known as some of Balzac's major novels, it is a continuation of his exploration of human nature and society through the lens of his characters. Félix Gaudissart is a memorable figure who embodies the art of persuasion and the complexities of commercial life in Balzac's literary world.