La Comédie humaine - Volume 17. Études de mœurs

Name: La Comédie humaine - Volume 17. Études de mœurs
Author: Honoré de Balzac

By Honoré de Balzac

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About This Book

The volume presents two paired novellas that examine Parisian social life, ambition, and the double faces of virtue and vice. One narrative follows an embittered, unmarried relative who, confined by poverty and resentment, orchestrates intrigues that destabilize a proud household and reveal the corrosive effects of envy and revenge. The companion tale portrays a kindly, solitary man devoted to art and music whose generosity and weaknesses make him vulnerable to flattery, manipulation, and familial avarice. Together the pieces map networks of social ambition, monetary dependence, moral compromise, and the personal tragedies that attend shifting reputations and fortunes.

About the Author

Honoré de Balzac

Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright, renowned for his detailed and vivid portrayal of society in the early 19th century. His monumental work, "La Comédie Humaine," encompasses a vast array of characters and stories that explore the complexities of human nature and social dynamics. Balzac's keen observations of the bourgeoisie and the intricacies of Parisian life are evident in notable titles such as "A Daughter of Eve" and "A Distinguished Provincial at Paris." His writing style is characterized by rich descriptions and a deep psychological insight, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern literature.