Another Study of Woman
The novel explores the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during the early 19th century. It follows a young woman's journey from her marriage to an older man, through her struggles with infidelity and ultimately, her downfall. The story delves into themes of morality, class, and the constraints imposed on women by society. The protagonist's actions are driven by a desire for freedom and autonomy, but she is constantly thwarted by the societal norms that govern her life. Through the novel, Balzac critiques the social conventions that restrict women's choices and opportunities, highlighting the tension between personal desire and societal expectation.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1837 · Genre: Realism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary · 17,611 words
First lines
At Paris there are almost always two separate parties going on at every ball and rout. First, an official party, composed of the persons invited, a fashionable and much-bored circle. Each one grimaces for his neighbor's eye; most of the younger women are there for one person only; when each woman has assured herself that for that one she is the handsomest woman in the room, and that the opinion is perhaps shared by a few others, a few insignificant phrases are exchanged, as: "Do you think of going away soon to La Crampade? " "How well Madame de Portenduere sang! " "Who is that little woman with such a load of diamonds? " Or, after firing off some smart epigrams, which give transient pleasure, and leave wounds that rankle long, the groups thin out, the mere lookers on go away, and the waxlights burn down to the sconces.
What this Textopian page supports
Another Study of Woman is listed on Textopian as a novel by Honoré De Balzac, dated 1837 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: 1837 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 17,611 words
- Structure: 1 section, 187 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Another Study of Woman 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 Another Study of Woman?
- How does this novel by Honoré De Balzac fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Another Study Of Woman by Honore De Balzac
- The Celibates by Honore De Balzac
- A Study Of Woman by Honore De Balzac
- The Physiology Of Marriage Volume Ii by Honore De Balzac
- The Old Maid by Honore De Balzac
- Domestic Peace by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Realism — The book explores the complexities of human nature and society with detailed character studies and social commentary.
- Psychological Fiction — It delves into the psychological motivations and inner lives of its characters, examining their thoughts and emotions.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques and reflects on the social structures and norms of the time.
- Drama — The story contains dramatic elements involving personal and social conflicts.
Tags
Social Commentary · Realism · French Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Marriage · Society · Class Structure · Morality · Ethics · Feminism · Critique of Marriage · Satire