Suzanne by Anatole France (1890)
"SUZANNE" by Anatole France is a novel that tells the story of a young woman named Suzanne who is struggling to find her place in society. The book explores themes of identity, class, and gender roles, as Suzanne navigates her way through a complex web of social conventions and expectations. Through her experiences, France critiques the societal norms of his time and offers a powerful feminist statement. The novel is known for its lyrical prose and philosophical musings, which add depth and complexity to the narrative. France's use of symbolism and imagery also adds an extra layer of meaning to the story, making it a rich and rewarding read. Overall, "SUZANNE" is a thought-provoking and timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
By Anatole France · First published 1890 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Literary Fiction · 491 words
First lines
THE Louvre, as you know, is a museum where beautiful things and ancient things are kept safe -- and this is wisely done, for old age and beauty are both alike venerable. Among the most touching of the antiquities treasured in the Louvre Museum is a fragment of marble, worn and cracked in many places, but on which can still be clearly made out two maidens holding each a flower in her hand. Both are beautiful figures; they were young when Greece was young. They say it was the age of perfect beauty. The sculptor who has left us their image represents them in profile, offering each other one of those lotus flowers that were deemed sacred. In the blue cups of their blossoms the world quaffed oblivion of the ills of life. Our men of learning have given much thought to these two maidens.
What this Textopian page supports
Suzanne is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Anatole France
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romantic Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 491 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Suzanne by Anatole France
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Suzanne?
- How does this short story by Anatole France fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Balthasar by Anatole France
- The Purple Land by W. H. Hudson
- Laeta Acilia To Ary Renan by Anatole France
- Thais by Anatole France
- The Cures Mignonette To Jules Lemaitre by Anatole France
- Back Windows by Louisa May Alcott
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in an older time period and contains details typical of historical novels.
- Romantic Fiction — The story features a loving relationship as a significant plot element.
- Literary Fiction — The work reflects considerable focus on depth, character growth, and prose over plot advancement.
Tags
French literature · Nineteenth century literature · Realism · Symbolism · Women's studies · Gender roles · Social commentary · Class struggle · Political intrigue · Romance · Tragedy · Historical fiction