Unconscious Comedians by Honoré de Balzac
"Unconscious Comedians" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel written in the mid-19th century. It primarily delves into the intricate dynamics of Parisian society through the lens of its characters, capturing both humor and pathos. Central to the narrative is Leon de Lora, a once-struggling landscape painter turned celebrated artist, and his provincial cousin Sylvestre Gazonal, who arrives in Paris seeking legal advice regarding a lawsuit while grappling with the complexities and
absurdities of city life. The opening of the novel introduces the contrasting backgrounds of Leon, now a successful painter with a prestigious reputation, and Gazonal, who is bewildered by the Parisian lifestyle yet determined to navigate its pitfalls. As Gazonal recounts his ongoing legal struggles, he is steeped in the peculiarities of Parisian culture, which Balzac vividly portrays through encounters with various characters, including artists, social climbers, and fortune-tellers. This initial portion sets the stage for a comedic exploration of ambition, social status, and the often farcical nature of human relationships in the bustling metropolis, positioning Gazonal as both an outsider and an observer of the vibrant, yet complex tapestry of Parisian life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Balzac, Honoré de, 1799-1850 |
|---|---|
| Translator | Wormeley, Katharine Prescott, 1830-1908 |
| Title | Unconscious Comedians |
| Note | Reading ease score: 68.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Credits | Produced by John Bickers, and Dagny, and David Widger |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PQ: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese |
| Subject | French fiction -- Translations into English |
| Category | Text |
| EBook-No. | 1242 |
| Release Date | Mar 1, 1998 |
| Most Recently Updated | Jan 27, 2021 |
| Copyright Status | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 190 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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