Gaudissart II by Honoré De Balzac

Name: Gaudissart II
Author: Honoré De Balzac

Gaudissart II is a novel by Honoré de Balzac, first published in 1844. It is part of his series of novels known as La Comédie Humaine. The novel follows the story of Gaudissart, a traveling salesman who is determined to make his fortune. He travels around France, selling his wares to the people he meets. Along the way, he meets a variety of characters, including a young woman who is determined to make her own fortune, a mysterious old man who seems to know more than he lets on, and a variety of other characters who help him on his journey. Gaudissart's travels take him to a variety of places, from the countryside to the city, and he experiences a variety of adventures. He eventually finds success, but not without facing a few obstacles along the way. The novel is a humorous look at the life of a traveling salesman, and it offers a glimpse into the world of 19th century France. It is a lighthearted and entertaining read, and it is sure to delight readers of all ages.

By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1844 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction · 3,893 words

First lines

To know how to sell, to be able to sell, and to sell. People generally do not suspect how much of the stateliness of Paris is due to these three aspects of the same problem. The brilliant display of shops as rich as the salons of the noblesse before 1789; the splendors of cafes which eclipse, and easily eclipse, the Versailles of our day; the shop-window illusions, new every morning, nightly destroyed; the grace and elegance of the young men that come in contact with fair customers; the piquant faces and costumes of young damsels, who cannot fail to attract the masculine customer; and (and this especially of late) the length, the vast spaces, the Babylonish luxury of galleries where shopkeepers acquire a monopoly of the trade in various articles by bringing them all together, -- all this is as nothing. Everything, so far, has been done to appeal to a single sense, and that the most exacting and jaded human faculty, a faculty developed ever since the days of the Roman Empire, until, in our own times, thanks to the efforts of the most fastidious civilization the world has yet seen, its demands are grown limitless. That faculty resides in the "eyes of Paris."

What this Textopian page supports

Gaudissart II is listed on Textopian as a novel by Honoré De Balzac, dated 1844 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: 1844 CE
Language: English
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Satire
Length: 3,893 words
Structure: 1 section, 81 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Gaudissart II 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 Gaudissart II?
How does this novel by Honoré De Balzac fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Realistic Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Realistic Fiction — Gaudissart II is a realistic fiction novel that follows the story of a young man who is trying to make his way in the world. The novel is set in 19th century France and follows the protagonist's journey as he navigates the complexities of life and love.
Romance — Gaudissart II is a romantic novel that follows the story of a young man who is trying to make his way in the world. The novel follows the protagonist's journey as he navigates the complexities of life and love, and ultimately finds true love.
Historical Fiction — Gaudissart II is a historical fiction novel set in 19th century France. The novel follows the protagonist's journey as he navigates the complexities of life and love, and ultimately finds true love in a time of great social and political upheaval.
Satire — Gaudissart II is a satirical novel written by Honoré De Balzac. The novel follows the protagonist's journey as he navigates the complexities of life and love, and ultimately finds true love in a time of great social and political upheaval. The novel is full of humorous and satirical observations about the society of the time.