How the Chateau D'Azay Came to be Built
The story revolves around the construction of a luxurious chateau on the Loire River. The protagonist, a wealthy merchant, commissions its design and construction from a renowned architect. However, the project's costs escalate due to the architect's extravagance and the merchant's own lavish tastes. As the chateau nears completion, the merchant becomes increasingly obsessed with its grandeur and perfection. He demands that every detail be attended to, no matter how minor, and that the work be done at all costs. The story explores themes of excess, vanity, and the corrupting influence of wealth. The chateau's construction serves as a metaphor for the destructive power of unchecked ambition and the dangers of prioritizing material possessions over human relationships.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1829 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 6,469 words
First lines
Jehan, son of Simon Fourniez, called Simonnin, a citizen of Tours -- originally of the village of Moulinot, near to Beaune, whence, in imitation of certain persons, he took the name when he became steward to Louis the Eleventh -- had to fly one day into Languedoc with his wife, having fallen into great disgrace, and left his son Jacques penniless in Touraine. This youth, who possessed nothing in the world except his good looks, his sword, and spurs, but whom worn-out old men would have considered very well off, had in his head a firm intention to save his father, and make his fortune at the court, then holden in Touraine. At early dawn this good Tourainian left his lodging, and, enveloped in his mantle, all except his nose, which he left open to the air, and his stomach empty, walked about the town without any trouble of digestion.
What this Textopian page supports
How the Chateau D'Azay Came to be Built is listed on Textopian as a novella by Honoré De Balzac, dated 1829 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Honoré De Balzac
- Date: 1829 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Satire, Drama
- Length: 6,469 words
- Structure: 1 section, 71 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for How the Chateau D'Azay Came to be Built 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering How the Chateau D'Azay Came to be Built?
- How does this novella by Honoré De Balzac fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, involving real historical figures and events, such as the Regent and King Louis XI, blended with fictional elements.
- Romance — The plot centers around a romantic and adventurous encounter between Jacques de Beaune and the Regent, highlighting themes of love and courtship.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey filled with challenges and risks, including his pursuit of fortune and status at the court.
- Satire — The story contains elements of humor and irony, particularly in its portrayal of courtly life and the protagonist's cunning schemes.
Tags
Historical Fiction · French Literature · 19th Century Novel · Realism · Social Commentary · Architecture · Chateau D'Azay · Loire Valley · France · Medieval History · Renaissance Revival · Literary Nonfiction