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I found it impossible, though, to sympathize with the aristocratic characters Balzac obviously intends the reader to sympathize with -- idle, useless, egotistical, only interested in their own pleasures. The hero of the book, the notary Chesnel, is presented as heroic and self-sacrificing because he is totally subservient to the des Esgrignons, the perfect symbol of domestic service Balzac himself is aware that many readers will not see that as a positive trait, because his praises of Chesnel seem rather apolegetic.
Actually, he is responsible for the tragic outcome of the count by serving as an "enabler", covering up his faults and paying his debts so long as his small fortune allows. The liberal villains, on the other hand, are shown, probably rightly, as hypocrites and venial; Du Croisier began as a Republican when he could profit from the Republic, then switched to monarchism when that was more profitable, and becomes a liberal constitutionalist when his social climbing is rebuffed by the des Esgrignons.
Thereafter, he devotes himself to vengeance against the family under the cover of politics. After reading this, I understood a little more about what the first book was trying to do, but I still can't understand why critics consider it one of his best novels. Nov 09, Emilie rated it liked it Shelves: Most of Balzac's best work has been re-translated recently by Penguin, Oxford, or other publishers; but for this gem, you have to go back to the s and early s when Ellen Marriage and Katharine Prescott Wormeley were the only games in town.
There are some nice scenes in Paris, especially with the delightful Duchesse de Maufrigneuse. The plot was not his best, but old Honore's characterizations in this short work are sublime. Mario rated it liked it Sep 28, Anne Marie rated it liked it Mar 04, Alexandru Serban rated it liked it Jun 29, Nina rated it did not like it Nov 22, Nanofate rated it it was amazing Jan 08, Diana Savova rated it liked it Aug 28, Samuel Regueira rated it it was ok Jul 31, Maryna rated it liked it Jul 31, Max rated it really liked it Mar 15, Bet rated it really liked it Dec 21, Ilona rated it liked it Feb 06, Angelo Giardini rated it it was amazing Nov 19, Oleguer rated it really liked it Dec 30, Imehdi Imaaref rated it really liked it Aug 09, Mazel rated it liked it Aug 18, James Stevenson rated it liked it Jul 10, Robin rated it really liked it Apr 23, Rudaton rated it liked it Mar 31, There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Due to his keen observation of fine detail and unfiltered representation of society, Balzac is regarded as one of the founders of realism in European literature. He is renowned for his multi-faceted characters; even his lesser characters are complex, morally ambiguous and fully human. Inanimate objects are imbued with character as well; the city of Paris, a backdrop for much of his writing, takes on many human qualities.
Many of Balzac's works have been made into films, and they continue to inspire other writers. An enthusiastic reader and independent thinker as a child, Balzac had trouble adapting himself to the teaching style of his grammar school. His willful nature caused trouble throughout his life, and frustrated his ambitions to succeed in the world of business.
When he finished school, Balzac was apprenticed as a legal clerk, but he turned his back on law after wearying of its inhumanity and banal routine.
Before and during his career as a writer, he attempted to be a publisher, printer, businessman, critic, and politician. He failed in all of these efforts. Balzac suffered from health problems throughout his life, possibly due to his intense writing schedule.
His relationship with his family was often strained by financial and personal drama, and he lost more than one friend over critical reviews. Zwiener Constructed in Bois Violette, with well executed floral inlay This impressive side cabinet has a shaped marble top above a f Formed with three mirrored doors to the front, separated by fluted columns and decorated with inalid brass, tortoisheshell and ebonised wood with o This fine cabinet has a rectangular white marble Impressive patinated bronze mantel clock garniture representing Daphnis and Chloe on top of the clock and a pair of seven-light candelabra each wit In at the Salon des Artistes Decorateurs, Ruhlmann present A Boulle marquetry inlays of brass and tortoiseshell liqueur cabinet, rosewood veneered interior with gilt metal mounted tray imitating bamboo, Each plate is finely painted and gilt with a dark powder-blue scalloped border and A fine late 19th century gilt bronze mounted Transitional style Marquetry cabinet By Durand The marble top above two long inlaid floral doors French Restauration period cabinet in mahogany with beautiful ormolu mounts and a blue turquin marble top.
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Victurien ends up being arrested for owing Du Croisier colossal sums of money.
Chesnel manages to get the young man out of trouble with one of his clever ploys. Victurien eventually marries Du Croisier's niece, wallowing in her vast wealth and regularly making her unhappy. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
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