An Old Maid

"An Old Maid" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story explores the lives of the Chevalier de Valois and the wealthy old maid Mademoiselle Cormon, both of whom navigate the complex social landscapes of provincial France. The narrative blends themes of romance, ambition, and social commentary as it examines desires and aspirations against the backdrop of class dynamics. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Chevalier de Valois, a charming yet aging nobleman who embodies the elegance of a bygone era while struggling with his diminished circumstances. We learn about his routines, relationships, and aspirations, particularly his secret ambition to marry the wealthy Mademoiselle Cormon. As various characters intertwine in the setting, including ambitious young women and competing suitors, the groundwork for romantic rivalry and social intrigue is laid. The reader is introduced to a vivid cast of personalities, setting up a rich exploration of the societal expectations and personal desires that drive the narrative forward. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright. The novel sequence La Comédie humaine, which presents a panorama of post-Napoleonic French life, is generally viewed as his magnum opus.