Eve and David by Honoré De Balzac
The novel revolves around the lives of two young people from different social classes who fall in love despite their families' disapproval. Eve de Sombreuil is a beautiful and intelligent woman from a wealthy family, while David Sechard is a talented but poor printer's apprentice. Their romance is complicated by the societal norms of the time, which dictate that they should marry within their own class. However, they are determined to be together and must navigate the obstacles in their path. Throughout the novel, Balzac explores themes of love, social class, and the constraints placed on individuals by society. The story is a commentary on the rigid social hierarchy of 19th-century France and the limited options available to women during this time period. The novel also delves into the world of printing and publishing, highlighting the struggles faced by writers and printers in their quest for artistic expression and financial stability. Ultimately, the novel is a tragic love story that explores the consequences of following one's heart in a society that values social status above all else.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1837 · Genre: Realist Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama · 85,962 words
First lines
Lucien had gone to Paris; and David Sechard, with the courage and intelligence of the ox which painters give the Evangelist for accompanying symbol, set himself to make the large fortune for which he had wished that evening down by the Charente, when he sat with Eve by the weir, and she gave him her hand and her heart. He wanted to make the money quickly, and less for himself than for Eve's sake and Lucien's. He would place his wife amid the elegant and comfortable surroundings that were hers by right, and his strong arm should sustain her brother's ambitions -- this was the programme that he saw before his eyes in letters of fire.
What this Textopian page supports
Eve and David 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: Realist Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction
- Length: 85,962 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1,315 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Eve and David 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
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Realist Fiction — The book is a detailed portrayal of everyday life and society, focusing on realistic characters and settings.
- Social Commentary — It explores the social and economic issues of the time, critiquing the class structure and societal norms.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense emotional conflicts and personal struggles of the characters.
- Romance — The story includes elements of romantic relationships and personal bonds.
Tags
Romance · Novel · French Literature · 19th Century Fiction · Social Commentary · Marriage · Love Story · Class Conflict · Upper Class · Lower Class · Social Hierarchy · Morality