How the Pretty Maid of Portillon Convinced her J
The story revolves around a young woman who uses her wit and charm to manipulate the justice system. She is accused of theft but claims she was merely trying to protect her family's honor by retrieving stolen goods. The judge, initially skeptical, becomes convinced of her innocence due to her persuasive arguments and ultimately acquits her.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1830 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Romance · 2,941 words
First lines
The Maid of Portillon, who became as everyone knows, La Tascherette, was, before she became a dyer, a laundress at the said place of Portillon, from which she took her name. If any there be who do not know Tours, it may be as well to state that Portillon is down the Loire, on the same side as St. Cyr, about as far from the bridge which leads to the cathedral of Tours as said bridge is distant from Marmoustier, since the bridge is in the centre of the embankment between Portillon and Marmoustier. Do you thoroughly understand?
What this Textopian page supports
How the Pretty Maid of Portillon Convinced her Judge is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Honoré De Balzac
- Date: 1830 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Comedy, Satire, Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama
- Length: 2,941 words
- Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for How the Pretty Maid of Portillon Convinced her Judge by Honoré De Balzac
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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- How does this short story by Honoré De Balzac fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- In The Express by Ludovic Halevy
- The Kings Sweetheart by Honore De Balzac
- The Fair Imperia by Honore De Balzac
- The Conscious Lovers by Richard Steele
- Concerning A Provost Who Did Not Recognise Things by Honore De Balzac
- The False Courtesan by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Comedy — The narrative is filled with humorous situations and witty dialogue, particularly in the interactions between the maid and the judge.
- Satire — The story satirizes social norms and the judicial system, highlighting the absurdity of certain legal proceedings and societal attitudes towards women.
- Romance — The plot revolves around romantic and sexual encounters, focusing on the maid's relationships and the consequences of her beauty.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and characters are rooted in a historical context, reflecting the customs and societal structures of the time.
Tags
French Literature · Romance · Social Commentary · Courtroom Drama · Moral Allegory · Satire · Comedy of Manners · 18th Century Setting · Upper Class Life · Marriage and Relationships · Deception and Manipulation · Power Dynamics