The Marriage Contract
This novel revolves around the marriage of a young woman to an older man who has made his fortune through questionable means. The story explores themes of love, power, and social status in 19th-century France. The protagonist's husband seeks to secure his family's position by marrying into a wealthy family, while also attempting to maintain control over his wife's life and finances.
By Honoré De Balzac · First published 1829 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary · 6 chapters · 58,300 words
First lines
Monsieur de Manerville, the father, was a worthy Norman gentleman, well known to the Marechael de Richelieu, who married him to one of the richest heiresses of Bordeaux in the days when the old duke reigned in Guienne as governor. The Norman then sold the estate he owned in Bessin, and became a Gascon, allured by the beauty of the chateau de Lanstrac, a delightful residence owned by his wife. During the last days of the reign of Louis XV., he bought the post of major of the Gate Guards, and lived till 1813, having by great good luck escaped the dangers of the Revolution in the following manner.
What this Textopian page supports
The Marriage Contract 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: Literary Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary, Drama, Realism
- Length: 58,300 words
- Structure: 6 chapters, 852 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Marriage Contract 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
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Marriage Contract?
- How does this novel by Honoré De Balzac fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex social and personal themes with a focus on character development and narrative style.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around the intricacies of a marriage contract and the romantic entanglements of the characters.
- Social Commentary — The narrative delves into the societal norms and expectations of marriage and wealth in 19th-century France.
- Drama — The story is filled with emotional conflicts and dramatic situations that drive the plot forward.
Tags
Social Satire · Romance · Marriage · Contract · Class System · French Literature · 19th Century · Realism · Literary Fiction · Family Dynamics · Power Struggle · Love Triangle
Contents
- Pro and Con
- The Pink of Fashion
- The Marriage Contract -- First Day
- The Marriage Contract -- Second Day
- The Marriage Contract -- Third Day
- Conclusion