Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Biography of Honore de Balzac:
Honoré de Balzac (1799–1850) was a French novelist and playwright, best known for his series of interconnected novels and stories collectively titled "La Comédie Humaine." He was born on May 20, 1799, in Tours, France, into a bourgeois family. His father wished for him to study law, but Balzac's true passion lay in literature.
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| Biography of Honore de Balzac |
Balzac moved to Paris in 1814 to pursue his literary ambitions. In the early years of his career, he faced financial difficulties and struggled to establish himself as a writer. He wrote numerous novels and plays that did not gain significant attention, and he even tried his hand at various business ventures, which often ended in failure.
His breakthrough came in 1829 with the publication of "Les Chouans," a historical novel set during the French Revolution. However, it was the creation of "La Comédie Humaine" that would be Balzac's most significant literary achievement. This vast series of novels and stories, written over a period of more than 20 years, aimed to depict the entirety of French society in the first half of the 19th century. The series is divided into different sections, including "Scènes de la vie privée" (Scenes from Private Life), "Scènes de la vie de province" (Scenes from Provincial Life), and "Scènes de la vie parisienne" (Scenes from Parisian Life).
Some of Balzac's most famous works include "Eugénie Grandet," "Lost Illusions," "Father Goriot," and "Père Goriot." Through his writings, Balzac explored the complexities of human nature, the impact of societal structures on individuals, and the pursuit of wealth and power. His characters are often vividly portrayed, and he became known for his keen observations of French society.
Despite his literary success, Balzac faced personal challenges, including financial struggles and health issues. He married Eveline Hanska, a wealthy Polish countess, in 1850, shortly before his death. Balzac passed away on August 18, 1850, in Paris, at the age of 51. His contribution to French literature and his innovative approach to portraying society have solidified his place as one of the key figures in 19th-century literature.