Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright who played an important role in the development of the Realist movement in 19th century literature He wrote dozens of novels and short story collections that explored the complexities of relationships and human emotion. Balzac was also a prolific playwright and play revisionist, penning dramas such as Vautrin, Trompe-la-Mort, and Colomba. His works sought to capture the intricate social relationships that held sway in French society during the period.
One of Balzac’s most famous works is his magnum opus, La Comédie Humaine. This anthology of stories and novels focused on the Restoration period of French history, looking at how events were shaped by grand social and political forces. In it, Balzac sought to capture the nuances of French society, documenting the intricacies of its day-to-day life. The Comédie Humaine also features some of Balzac’s own most famous characters, including Eugénie Grandet, Vautrin, and Rastignac.
Other well-known works by Balzac include Le Père Goriot, a novel set in early 19th century Paris. In it, Balzac focuses on the story of an elderly man and his two daughters, exploring the central theme of filial duty and love. The novel offers an incisive look at the social conventions and customs of Parisian society at the time.
Cousin Bette is another classic work by Balzac. This novel documents the story of an affluent bourgeois family in Paris and their dealings with a spiteful relative. Bette, a poor and jealous woman, tries to ruin their lives through a series of schemes and deceptions. The novel examines the consequences of love, jealousy, and hatred, as well as how people struggle to reconcile their ambitions and social status.
Les Chouans is a historical novel by Balzac set during the French Revolution. It follows the story of a group of Royalist soldiers seeking to restore the monarchy in Brittany. Balzac paints a vivid picture of the political, social, and military forces at play during the time, while also exploring the nuances of love, romance, and duty.
Lost Illusions is a novel in three parts by Balzac. It tells the story of a young man who arrives in Paris to seek his fortune, only to find himself entrapped in a gilded cage of debt and despair. Through his struggles, he realizes the bitter truth that his illusions of success and fortune were false.
Finally, Seraphita is a novella by Balzac set in Norway. It tells the story of a young woman who seems to exist between two worlds, possessing qualities of both genders. Through her mysterious qualities, she offers insight into the power of love, as well as the difficulties of navigating a world that does not accept such individuals.