Balthasar by Anatole France (1890)
Balthasar is a novel by French author Anatole France, published in 1897. The story follows the life of a young man named Balthasar, who is born into a wealthy family but feels suffocated by his privileged upbringing. He becomes disillusioned with his life and seeks to break free from the constraints of his social class. Throughout the novel, France explores themes of identity, morality, and the search for meaning in life. Balthasar's journey is a poignant reflection on the human experience, as he grapples with the expectations placed upon him by society and his own desires for autonomy and fulfillment. The novel is known for its philosophical and introspective nature, as well as its vivid depictions of Parisian society in the late 19th century. France's writing style is both lyrical and thought-provoking, making Balthasar a compelling and memorable read.
By Anatole France · First published 1890 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Religious Literature · 5,273 words
First lines
I
In those days Balthasar, whom the Greeks called Saracin, reigned in Ethiopia. He was black, but comely of countenance. He had a simple soul and a generous heart The third year of his reign, which was the twenty-second of his age, he left his dominions on a visit to Balkis, Queen of Sheba. The mage Sembobitis and the eunuch Menkera accompanied him. He had in his train seventy-five camels bearing cinnamon, myrrh, gold dust, and elephants' tusks.
What this Textopian page supports
Balthasar is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anatole France, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Anatole France
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Religious Literature, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 5,273 words
- Structure: 1 section, 162 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Balthasar by Anatole France
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Balthasar?
- How does this novel by Anatole France fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Remordimiento Por Cualquier Muerte by Jorge Luis Borges
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative revolves around a protagonist in a historical context, namely Balthasar, son of Melchior, one of the three Magi. The storyline follows his journey and experiences during historical events.
- Adventure — The protagonist, Balthasar, embarks on a journey during the time of King Herod, meeting various characters and facing several challenges, which fits the theme of Adventure.
- Religious Literature — The book features religious themes, with the protagonist being a participant in a significant event in Christian history, the birth of Christ, and further explores the impacts of faith and religion.
- Philosophical Fiction — The book engages with philosophical themes, including morality, existentialism, and the human condition, making it relevant to the genre of Philosophical Fiction.
Tags
French literature · Nineteenth century literature · Symbolism · Decadence · Philosophy · Existentialism · Religion · Spirituality · Mysticism · Allegory · Fable · Parable