Wrriter: Meria Zakia Alfisuma, SS., M.Pd
Editor: Dr. Tri Pujiati, S.S., M.M., M.Hum.
Size: 15 x 23 cm, iv + 108 page
ISBN: 978-623-8237-60-9
Jean Baptiste Grenouille starts his life in the squalor of Paris in 1738, born amidst the filth of a fish heap. His surroundings are filthy and repulsive, setting the tone for his early years. Despite the unsavory conditions, Grenouille develops an exceptional sense of smell from a young age. Unfortunately, he faces rejection from his mother, who mistakenly believes he was stillborn, leading her to abandon him and his siblings, resulting in her execution. This leaves Grenouille as an orphan, compelled to move from one place to another, as no one is willing to provide a permanent home. Only a few individuals briefly care for him until he ultimately ends up in the care of a nursemaid.
Grenouille grows up devoid of the love and
warmth of human connection, as he is rejected by both his mother and society
due to his lack of a natural body aroma. Faced with this rejection, he directs
his focus towards his extraordinary sense of smell, becoming fixated on all
things related to odor. From an early age, he harbors an obsession with capturing
every scent in the world, constructing his own world by meticulously cataloging
each fragrance he encounters. Frequently wandering alone, he immerses himself
in the act of smelling everything around him.
During his youth, Grenouille exhibits an
exceptional talent for crafting perfumes, even surviving exposure to harmful
gases while working for a tanner. Undeterred, he continues his quest for unique
scents throughout the city. His journey takes a dark turn when he becomes
captivated by the fragrance of a young girl in rue de Marais, leading to a
tragic outcome. Driven by an insatiable desire to possess the divine scent of
the girl, Grenouille unintentionally causes her demise in the pursuit of his
overwhelming ambition.
Soon after the tragic incident,
Grenouille's exceptional talent catches the attention of the renowned perfumer,
Baldini, who takes him under his wing as an apprentice. Grenouille flourishes
under Baldini's guidance, creating an outstanding perfume that elevates him to
the status of a master perfumer and brings wealth.
Despite his success, Grenouille indulges
in peculiar experiments, such as attempting to distill the essence of porcelain
and even extracting the unique scent from his own body, including his hair.
These endeavors prove unsuccessful, resulting in a period of illness lasting
several weeks. During his recovery, Grenouille discovers an alternative
technique for capturing the human scent that differs from distillation.
Upon conceiving the idea, Grenouille
embarks on a journey to depart from Paris and make his way to Grasse. However,
midway through his trek, an overwhelming sense of confinement in the societal
roles of humanity takes hold. Fueled by the longstanding rejection he has
endured since birth, he decides to distance himself from human existence. The
rural surroundings intensify his aversion to the scent of people, prompting him
to adopt an indifferent stance toward the world.
Grenouille chooses seclusion, seeking
refuge in the tunnel of the mountain of solitude, marking the beginning of a
seven-year period of self-imposed isolation. During this time, he endeavors to
unravel his own distinctive scent. The tunnel becomes a space where he grapples
with delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior. A particularly nightmarish
experience, considered a delusion of persecution, coupled with the realization
that he lacks a personal scent, prompts his return to the realm of humanity. In
a sudden shift, he no longer avoids things associated with human existence.
Employing cunning tactics, Grenouille
deceives people by fabricating a tale of being captured by thieves. Through a
series of captivating performances showcasing his talents, he manages to make
his way to Grasse, where he encounters Madame Arnulfi. Under her guidance, he
learns a new method for perfume production.
However, an atmosphere of alarm descends
upon the town when news of a murderer targeting women spreads. Grenouille,
adopting a sinister modus operandi, breaks into homes, leaving behind his
victims unclothed and with shaved heads. After claiming the lives of
twenty-four girls, his murderous spree inexplicably halts. A perceptive wealthy
man discerns the pattern in the killings and becomes aware that his daughter,
Laura, might be the next target. In an attempt to protect her, he endeavors to
leave the town, but Grenouille is relentless, tracking and stealing Laura's
scent, just as he did with his previous victims.
Shortly after Grenouille murders Laura, he
is apprehended and condemned to death. Strikingly, he exhibits no sense of
guilt either for the heinous acts committed or when facing police capture.
Undergoes torture during police interrogation, he remains defiant, admitting to
nothing beyond his need for the scents of the girls.
On the day of his execution, an enveloping
perfume surrounds Grenouille like an aura. Realizing the potency of the perfume
he created, the crowd is captivated, cheering and considering him an angel.
Yet, to Grenouille, their love and adoration transform into hatred. The
realization dawns that his attained supremacy elicits not happiness but
repulsion and animosity. Despite being the object of adoration, he feels
unloved, purposeless, and devoid of meaning. Faced with this disillusionment,
he returns to Paris.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar