The Hated Son by Honoré De Balzac

This novel revolves around the life of a young man who is rejected by his family due to his illegitimate birth. He struggles to find acceptance and identity in society, leading him down a path of crime and desperation. The story explores themes of class, morality, and the consequences of societal rejection.

By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1829 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance · 7 chapters · 40,405 words

First lines

On a winter's night, about two in the morning, the Comtesse Jeanne d'Herouville felt such violent pains that in spite of her inexperience, she was conscious of an approaching confinement; and the instinct which makes us hope for ease in a change of posture induced her to sit up in her bed, either to study the nature of these new sufferings, or to reflect on her situation. She was a prey to cruel fears, -- caused less by the dread of a first lying-in, which terrifies most women, than by certain dangers which awaited her child.

What this Textopian page supports

The Hated Son is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
• Author: Honoré De Balzac
• Date: 1829 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Tragedy, Family Saga
• Length: 40,405 words
• Structure: 7 chapters, 566 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Hated Son 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
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Hated Son?
• 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

• A Reckless Passion by Guy De Maupassant
• La Grande Breteche by Honore De Balzac
• The Reproach by Honore De Balzac
• The Sabbath Breaker by Israel Zangwill
• The Stepmother by Honore De Balzac
• A Mesalliance by Guy De Maupassant

Genres

• Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical period, focusing on the societal norms and events of that time.
• Drama — The story is driven by intense emotional conflicts and complex character relationships.
• Romance — The plot includes romantic elements and explores themes of love and passion.
• Tragedy — The narrative involves tragic events and outcomes, highlighting human suffering and loss.

Tags

French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Family Drama · Coming-of-Age · Class Struggle · Love Triangle · Betrayal · Deception · Morality · Ethics · Societal Expectations

Contents

• A Bedroom of the Sixteenth Century
• The Bonesetter
• The Mother's Love
• The Heir
• Gabrielle
• Love
• The Crushed Pearl

More by Honoré De Balzac

• The Mysterious Mansion (1850)
• The Hidden Masterpiece (1850)
• The Message (1832)
• The Elixir of Life (1830)
• The Atheist´s Mass (1836)
• Pierre Grassou (1839)
• Study of a Woman (1830)
• El Verdugo (1829)
• All works by Honoré De Balzac