The Magic Skin by Honoré De Balzac
The story revolves around a young man who makes a Faustian bargain to sell his skin for wealth and power. He becomes wealthy but ultimately loses everything due to his own corruption and the consequences of his deal. The novel explores themes of morality, greed, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1830 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Psychological Fiction · 3 chapters · 114,404 words
First lines
Towards the end of the month of October 1829 a young man entered the Palais-Royal just as the gaming-houses opened, agreeably to the law which protects a passion by its very nature easily excisable. He mounted the staircase of one of the gambling hells distinguished by the number 36, without too much deliberation.
"Your hat, sir, if you please? " a thin, querulous voice called out. A little old man, crouching in the darkness behind a railing, suddenly rose and exhibited his features, carved after a mean design.
What this Textopian page supports
The Magic Skin 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: Philosophical Fiction, Fantasy, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Romanticism
- Length: 114,404 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 1,650 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Magic Skin 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 Magic Skin?
- How does this novel by Honoré De Balzac fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Vautrin by Honore De Balzac
- The Country Doctor by Honore De Balzac
- Eugene Pickering by Henry James
- The Brotherhood Of Consolation by Honore De Balzac
- Complication by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores existential themes and the human condition through the protagonist's experiences and choices.
- Fantasy — Incorporates supernatural elements, such as the magical skin that grants wishes at a cost.
- Psychological Fiction — Delves into the psychological transformation and inner turmoil of the main character.
- Social Commentary — Critiques societal norms and the pursuit of material wealth and power.
Tags
French Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Identity Crisis · Class Struggle · Romanticism · Existentialism · Absurdity
Contents
- The Talisman
- A Woman Without a Heart
- The Agony