The Commission in Lunacy
This novel explores the intersection of law and psychiatry through the story of a young woman accused of murder who is deemed insane by the Commission in Lunacy. The narrative delves into the complexities of mental illness, the reliability of expert testimony, and the social implications of labeling someone as mad. Through this case study, Balzac critiques the flaws in the justice system and highlights the need for reform.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1838 · Genre: Realist Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary · 32,619 words
First lines
In 1828, at about one o'clock one morning, two persons came out of a large house in the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, near the Elysee-Bourbon. One was the famous doctor, Horace Bianchon; the other was one of the most elegant men in Paris, the Baron de Rastignac; they were friends of long standing. Each had sent away his carriage, and no cab was to be seen in the street; but the night was fine, and the pavement dry.
"We will walk as far as the boulevard," said Eugene de Rastignac to Bianchon. "You can get a hackney cab at the club; there is always one to be found there till daybreak. Come with me as far as my house."
What this Textopian page supports
The Commission in Lunacy is listed on Textopian as a novel by Honoré De Balzac, dated 1838 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: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realist Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Legal Drama, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 32,619 words
- Structure: 1 section, 466 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Commission in Lunacy 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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Genres
- Realist Fiction — The book is a detailed portrayal of society and human behavior, characteristic of realist literature.
- Psychological Fiction — It delves into the psychological complexities of its characters, exploring their inner thoughts and motivations.
- Social Commentary — The narrative critiques social structures and norms, reflecting on the societal issues of the time.
- Legal Drama — The plot involves legal proceedings and the intricacies of the judicial system, central to the story's conflict.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Social Commentary · Realism · French Literature · 19th Century Novel · Satire · Comedy of Manners · Family Drama · Mental Illness · Institutional Critique · Power Dynamics · Class Struggle