The Deserted Woman
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who has been abandoned by her lover and left to fend for herself in Paris. She struggles to maintain her dignity and independence while navigating the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and economic hardship. As she navigates these challenges, she becomes embroiled in a series of complicated relationships with various men, including a wealthy aristocrat who offers her financial support but also expects her to conform to his social norms. Through her experiences, the novel explores themes of love, class, and identity. The protagonist's journey is marked by moments of both triumph and tragedy, as she grapples with the consequences of her choices and the societal constraints placed upon her. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of women's lives in 19th-century France, highlighting the tensions between personal desire and social obligation.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1830 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Realism · 19,505 words
First lines
In the early spring of 1822, the Paris doctors sent to Lower Normandy a young man just recovering from an inflammatory complaint, brought on by overstudy, or perhaps by excess of some other kind. His convalescence demanded complete rest, a light diet, bracing air, and freedom from excitement of every kind, and the fat lands of Bessin seemed to offer all these conditions of recovery. To Bayeux, a picturesque place about six miles from the sea, the patient therefore betook himself, and was received with the cordiality characteristic of relatives who lead very retired lives, and regard a new arrival as a godsend.
What this Textopian page supports
The Deserted Woman is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
- Author: Honoré De Balzac
- Date: 1830 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Drama, Realism, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 19,505 words
- Structure: 1 section, 205 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Deserted Woman by Honoré De Balzac
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Deserted Woman?
- How does this novel by Honoré De Balzac fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Deserted Woman by Honore De Balzac
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- A Mesalliance by Guy De Maupassant
- Madame Hussons May King by Guy De Maupassant
- The Reproach by Honore De Balzac
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Genres
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and romantic relationships, exploring the emotional and social complexities of the characters.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense emotional conflicts and dramatic situations that affect the characters' lives.
- Realism — The writing style and depiction of characters and settings aim to reflect the real social conditions and human experiences of the time.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques and examines the societal norms and class structures of the period, highlighting issues of status and reputation.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Infidelity · Class Struggle · Romance · Tragedy · Family Drama · Morality Tale · Societal Critique · Love Triangle