Symbolism In Falling By Anne Provoost

The novel “Falling” by Anne Provoost has been twisted to depict messages about learning from the past, yet these ideas mask the true power of Benoit and his influential extremism. Lucas Beigne may be portrayed as the ‘protagonist’ of the book, yet he is simply one more character that is sucked into a web of charm and deceit. Benoit is infectious. This is introduced during the duos very first meeting, when Benoit promises Lucas, he’ll “do anything…to help [him]” after discovering he is Felix Stockx’s grandson. Beigne leaves this encounter with the mans “incredibly bright and blue” eyes burned into his mind, associating them with “the flame of a gas burner.” This symbolism can be interpreted both to reflect Benoit’s passionate and burning personality,

Telling the boy, he is “a man of character” and “a proper grandson” bleeds into his need for validation, especially with the uncertainty surrounding his grandfather. Alex also entices Lucas by speaking praise of the cunning man, telling him “You won’t…sleep without thinking about him” and “you’ll get a lot in return” which fuels his curiosity, one of his key attributes. Whether Lucas’ inquisitiveness is a blessing or a curse, Alex is certainly right about Benoit integrating himself into people’s lives. He even interrupts Lucas’ relationship with Caitlin, causing Beigne to imagine “Benoit hearing…and agree(ing)” when they fight. As sickening as Benoit’s grooming of Lucas is, especially when he finds interest in Caitlin describing her as a “princess,” “panther,” and “gorgeous girl,” he is also a master of his trade. As Lucas’ world begins to fall apart, Benoit convinces him to stay with meaningless comments such as “you’ve chosen…you can’t go back” and “you’re not responsible I am responsible.” Then, in a grand finale, when Lucas attempts to break free of the man who has done so much harm to him, Benoit uses his power to flip the script and announces the boy to be a “hothead” who went to