Farewell by Honoré De Balzac (1830)
The novel revolves around the life of Lucien de Rubempré, a young and ambitious poet who rises to fame in Parisian society. He becomes embroiled in a world of politics, corruption, and social climbing, where he must navigate complex relationships and moral dilemmas to achieve his goals. As Lucien's star rises, he faces challenges from those who seek to bring him down, including rival poets, corrupt politicians, and even his own family members. Through his experiences, the novel explores themes of ambition, morality, and the corrupting influence of power. Ultimately, Lucien's downfall serves as a commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The novel is a scathing critique of the social ills of 19th-century France, offering a nuanced portrayal of the human condition in all its complexity.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1830 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Psychological Fiction · 19,605 words
First lines
"Come, Deputy of the Centre, come along! We shall have to mend our pace if we mean to sit down to dinner when every one else does, and that's a fact! Hurry up! Jump, Marquis! That's it! Well done! You are bounding over the furrows just like a stag!"
What this Textopian page supports
Farewell 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, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Drama
- Length: 19,605 words
- Structure: 1 section, 335 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Farewell 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 Farewell?
- 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?
Similar titles
- Adieu by Honore De Balzac
- Madame Firmiani by Honore De Balzac
- Gambara by Honore De Balzac
- Massimilla Doni by Honore De Balzac
- The Story Of A Ball Dress by Ludovic Halevy
- The Patrician by John Galsworthy
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of historical events, specifically the Napoleonic Wars, and incorporates real historical figures and settings.
- Romance — The story explores themes of love and loss, focusing on the emotional and romantic relationships between characters.
- Psychological Fiction — The novel delves into the psychological impact of war and trauma on individuals, examining their inner thoughts and emotional struggles.
- Tragedy — The plot involves tragic events and outcomes, highlighting the inevitable downfall and suffering of the characters.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Romance · Tragedy · Love Story · Family Drama · Marriage · Society Satire · Morality Tale · Coming of Age