Maitre Cornelius by Honoré De Balzac
The novel revolves around the life of a young lawyer who becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships and power struggles within the French aristocracy during the Bourbon Restoration period. It explores themes of social class, morality, and the corrupting influence of wealth and power. The protagonist's rise to prominence is marked by his involvement with a wealthy and influential family, but he ultimately succumbs to the very same vices that he initially sought to expose. The novel critiques the excesses of the aristocracy and the social conventions of the time, while also offering a nuanced portrayal of human nature and the complexities of moral choice.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1837 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Drama · 4 chapters · 25,686 words
First lines
In 1479, on All Saints' day, the moment at which this history begins, vespers were ending in the cathedral of Tours. The archbishop Helie de Bourdeilles was rising from his seat to give the benediction himself to the faithful. The sermon had been long; darkness had fallen during the service, and in certain parts of the noble church (the towers of which were not yet finished) the deepest obscurity prevailed. Nevertheless a goodly number of tapers were burning in honor of the saints on the triangular candle-trays destined to receive such pious offerings, the merit and signification of which have never been sufficiently explained. The lights on each altar and all the candelabra in the choir were burning.
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Maitre Cornelius 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: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Drama, Romance
- Length: 25,686 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 447 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Maitre Cornelius 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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- 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
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- In Which It Is Demonstrated That Fortune Is Always Feminine by Honore De Balzac
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period, focusing on the reign of Louis XI, and incorporates real historical figures and events.
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a series of thefts and the investigation to uncover the culprit, creating a suspenseful and enigmatic atmosphere.
- Drama — The story explores complex human emotions and relationships, particularly through the interactions between the characters and their personal conflicts.
- Romance — There are elements of romantic intrigue and personal relationships that influence the characters' motivations and actions.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Satire · Comedy · Novel · 19th Century · France · Paris · Middle Class · Upper Class · Society
Contents
- A Church Scene of the Fifteenth Century
- The Torconnier
- The Robbery of the Jewels of the Duke of Bavaria
- The Hidden Treasure