The Lily of the Valley
This novel revolves around the life of a young woman who marries into a wealthy family and becomes embroiled in their complex web of relationships and power struggles. Her innocence and naivety are exploited by those around her, leading to tragic consequences. The story explores themes of class, morality, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1835 · Genre: Romance, Realism, Drama · 3 chapters · 115,428 words
First lines
To what genius fed on tears shall we some day owe that most touching of all elegies, -- the tale of tortures borne silently by souls whose tender roots find stony ground in the domestic soil, whose earliest buds are torn apart by rancorous hands, whose flowers are touched by frost at the moment of their blossoming? What poet will sing the sorrows of the child whose lips must suck a bitter breast, whose smiles are checked by the cruel fire of a stern eye? The tale that tells of such poor hearts, oppressed by beings placed about them to promote the development of their natures, would contain the true history of my childhood.
What this Textopian page supports
The Lily of the Valley is listed on Textopian as a novel by Honoré De Balzac, dated 1835 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: 1835 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Realism, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary
- Length: 115,428 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 1,304 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Lily of the Valley 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 Lily of the Valley?
- 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
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- Honorine by Honore De Balzac
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Genres
- Romance — The central plot revolves around a complex love triangle and emotional relationships.
- Realism — The narrative style and detailed depiction of social settings reflect the characteristics of literary realism.
- Drama — The story is filled with intense emotional conflicts and dramatic personal developments.
- Psychological Fiction — The novel delves deeply into the psychological motivations and inner lives of its characters.
Tags
French Literature · Romance Novel · Social Commentary · Class Satire · Realism · 19th Century Fiction · Family Drama · Love Story · Marriage Plot · Social Hierarchy · Upper Class Life · Morality Tale