Petty Troubles of Married Life, Complete

"Petty Troubles of Married Life, Complete" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel written in the early 19th century. The book explores the complexities and tribulations of marriage through the experiences of the main character, Adolphe, and his wife, Caroline. The narrative delves into the societal expectations, personal disappointments, and humorous yet poignant observations associated with married life. Readers can expect a blend of satire and keen introspection about the dynamics between husbands and wives. The opening of the story introduces us to various characters and the foundational setup for the exploration of marriage. Adolphe reflects on the stages of courtship leading to marriage, and quickly transitions into the petty troubles that arise once “I do” is said. Through witty dialogue and revealing anecdotes, it becomes clear that Caroline, although charming, evolves into a source of frustration for Adolphe as their relationship brings to light the disparities between romantic expectations and the mundane reality of married life. The tone oscillates between humor and wisdom, setting the stage for a deeper examination of the joys and pitfalls of domesticity. (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.