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Study of a Woman

By Honoré de Balzac

(3.5 stars) • 10 reviews

"Study of a Woman" by Honoré de Balzac is a narrative work written in the early 19th century, specifically during the period of the Restoration in Fra...

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2005-10-07
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Overview

"Study of a Woman" by Honoré de Balzac is a narrative work written in the early 19th century, specifically during the period of the Restoration in France. This novella is primarily a character study exploring the societal roles and complexities within the lives of women during this era. It paints a vivid picture of the Marquise de Listomere, a woman navigating the delicate balance between virtue and societal expectations. The story centers on the Marquise de Listomere, who appears to embody the ideals of politeness and decorum while subtly grappling with her own desires and the constraints imposed by her marriage to the unremarkable Marquis de Listomere. Her encounter with the charming and ambitious young man, Eugène de Rastignac, becomes the catalyst for both personal reflection and social commentary. The narrative delves into themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of feminine identity as the Marquise responds to Rastignac's unexpected attentions and letters, navigating a dance between coldness and curious attraction. The story illustrates the internal and external conflicts faced by a woman striving to reconcile her principles with her emotions in an intricate social landscape. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

About the Author

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.

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