Adieu by Honoré De Balzac (1830)
The novel revolves around the themes of love, morality, and social class. It follows the story of a young woman who must choose between her desire for a man from a lower social class and her family's expectations that she marry well. The protagonist's decision has significant consequences, not only for herself but also for those around her. The novel explores the societal pressures and constraints placed on women during this time period, as well as the tension between personal desires and societal norms. Throughout the story, Balzac critiques the social conventions of his time, highlighting the hypocrisy and superficiality of the upper class. He also examines the consequences of unchecked desire and the importance of moral responsibility. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of human nature, revealing the flaws and weaknesses that exist within even the most seemingly perfect individuals.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1830 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 3 chapters · 18,461 words
First lines
"Come, deputy of the Centre, forward! Quick step! march! if we want to be in time to dine with the others. Jump, marquis! there, that's right! why, you can skip across a stubble-field like a deer!"
What this Textopian page supports
Adieu is listed on Textopian as a novel by Honoré De Balzac, dated 1830 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Honoré De Balzac
- Date: 1830 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 18,461 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 340 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Adieu by Honoré De Balzac
- 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 Adieu?
- How does this novel by Honoré De Balzac fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, incorporating historical events and figures into the plot.
- Romance — The story centers around a tragic love affair, exploring themes of passion, loss, and emotional turmoil.
- Drama — The plot is driven by intense emotional conflicts and dramatic situations, focusing on the characters' internal and external struggles.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological states of the characters, examining their mental and emotional conditions.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Romance · Tragedy · Love Story · Family Drama · Marriage · Society Satire · Morality Tale · Coming of Age
Contents
- An Old Monastery
- The Passage of the Beresina
- The Cure