The Celibates by Honoré de Balzac

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About this eBook

Author Balzac, Honoré de, 1799-1850
Commentator Saintsbury, George, 1845-1933
Translator Wormeley, Katharine Prescott, 1830-1908
Title The Celibates
Note Reading ease score: 74.8 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Contents Pierrette
The Vicar of Tours
The Two Brothers
Credits Produced by John Bickers; and Dagny
Summary "The Celibates" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel written in the early 19th century that explores themes of loneliness and societal roles through the lives of various single characters. The book centers on the lives of bachelors and old maids, delving into their individual experiences and relationships, particularly focusing on the character Pierrette Lorrain and her cousin, Sylvie Rogron. This work is part of Balzac's broader collection, "Comédie Humaine," which presents a detailed portrayal of French society. At the start of "The Celibates," we are introduced to the precursors of the tale through an exposition that sets the stage for the narrative. The opening chapters describe the peaceful, yet melancholic life in the town of Provins, where a young worker named Brigaut is seen expressing his affection for Pierrette Lorrain, a beautiful girl confined by her circumstances. As we learn about the Rogrons, Pierrette's new guardians, their self-serving motivations and reluctance to accept Pierrette into their home paint a grim picture of familial dynamics and societal expectations. The text sets the groundwork for a poignant exploration of the trials faced by these celibates, particularly Pierrette, as they navigate their constrained lives filled with secrets, ambitions, and the harsh realities of their social standings. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Subject France -- Fiction
Subject Celibacy -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 7927
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Dec 30, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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