The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence

"The Seven Cardinal Sins: Envy and Indolence" by Eugène Sue is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the complex emotional landscapes of its characters, focusing primarily on themes of envy and social inequality, particularly seen through the eyes of its main character, Frederick Bastien, and his relationship with his mother, Madame Bastien. The opening of the story sets the scene in 1828 France, where the transformation of a decrepit farmhouse into a charming home serves as a backdrop for the mother-son duo. Frederick, now sixteen, shares a close bond with Madame Bastien, who transformed their surroundings with love and maternal care, preparing for the arrival of brighter days as she anticipated the joy of raising her son. The chapter introduces the idyllic yet secluded life they lead, contrasting sharply with Frederick's later experiences of envy as he grapples with feelings of inferiority triggered by observing the opulence of the nearby Château de Pont Brillant and its young occupant, the Marquis. This initial portrayal hints at the deeper emotional struggles that will unfold in the narrative, particularly Frederick’s envy and the impact it has on his relationships and self-esteem as he confronts the reality of his modest upbringing compared to that of the aristocracy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Marie-Joseph "Eugène" Sue was a French novelist. He was one of several authors who popularized the genre of the serial novel in France with his very popular and widely imitated The Mysteries of Paris, which was published in a newspaper from 1842 to 1843.