The Exiles by Honoré De Balzac
This novel revolves around the lives of a group of aristocrats who have been exiled from Paris due to their involvement in the July Revolution. The story centers on Lucien de Rubempré, a young and ambitious poet who seeks to rise through the ranks of society despite his humble origins. Lucien's journey is marked by his relationships with various characters, including Madame de Beauséant, a high-society woman who becomes his lover, and Vautrin, a charismatic figure who serves as both mentor and adversary. Through these relationships, Lucien navigates the complexities of 19th-century French society, confronting issues such as class, morality, and identity. The novel explores themes of social mobility, the corrupting influence of power, and the tension between individual desire and societal expectations. Ultimately, it presents a nuanced portrayal of the human experience, highlighting both the aspirational qualities of its characters and their capacity for self-destruction.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1829 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama · 14,075 words
First lines
In the year 1308 few houses were yet standing on the Island formed by the alluvium and sand deposited by the Seine above the Cite, behind the Church of Notre-Dame. The first man who was so bold as to build on this strand, then liable to frequent floods, was a constable of the watch of the City of Paris, who had been able to do some service to their Reverences the Chapter of the Cathedral; and in return the Bishop leased him twenty-five perches of land, with exemptions from all feudal dues or taxes on the buildings he might erect.
What this Textopian page supports
The Exiles 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, Philosophical Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction
- Length: 14,075 words
- Structure: 1 section, 185 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Exiles 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 Exiles?
- 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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- Domestic Peace by Honore De Balzac
- Madame Firmiani by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, exploring themes relevant to the time period.
- Philosophical Fiction — The work delves into philosophical ideas and questions, reflecting on human nature and society.
- Drama — The story contains dramatic elements, focusing on intense character interactions and emotional conflicts.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes complex characters and a detailed exploration of themes.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Romance · Historical Fiction · 19th Century · Parisian Life · Upper Class · Lower Class · Love Triangle · Family Drama