An Episode under the Terror

"An Episode under the Terror" by Honoré de Balzac is a historical novella written during the early 19th century. Set against the backdrop of revolutionary France, particularly the period known as the Terror, the story delves into themes of fear, survival, and the moral complexities faced by individuals in times of political upheaval. The novella explores how personal identity and class structures are challenged by the drastic societal changes brought about by the Revolution. The narrative follows an elderly woman as she attempts to navigate the dangerous streets of Paris, feeling pursued and fearful for her life. After seeking refuge in a pastry shop, she experiences a series of unsettling interactions that highlight the era's paranoia. The story unfolds with her ultimately finding solace in a humble garret, where a priest and two nuns provide her a sanctuary. Their lives simultaneously intertwine with a mysterious man who appears to be both a protector and a figure of dread, raising questions about guilt, loyalty, and morality during the Revolution. As the tale crescendos to its poignant conclusion, it examines the intertwining of faith, sacrifice, and the consequences of the era's brutal choices, culminating in a moving act of remembrance for a fallen monarch. (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.