Balzac
Honoré de Balzac: A Pioneer of Realism
======================================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Honoré de Balzac was born on May 20, 1799, in Tours, France, to Bernard-François de Balzac and Anne Charlotte Laurent-Picholer. He is commonly referred to as Honore de Balzac or simply Balzac.
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: May 20, 1799
Death Date: August 18, 1850
Nationality and Profession(s)
Balzac was a French novelist, playwright, and entrepreneur. He is best known for his pioneering work in the Realist movement.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family of minor nobility, Balzac's early life was marked by financial struggles. His father died when he was just seven years old, leaving him to manage the family's estate. This responsibility instilled in him a strong sense of duty and a keen eye for business.
Balzac's education began at the Collège de Vendôme, where he showed a talent for writing and drama. However, his family's financial situation forced him to abandon his studies and take up a career in law. He eventually moved to Paris, where he became involved in various business ventures, including publishing and real estate.
Major Accomplishments
Balzac is credited with creating the Comédie Humaine, a vast collection of novels that together form a sweeping portrait of French society during the early 19th century. This ambitious project took him nearly two decades to complete and consisted of over 90 works, including novels, short stories, and essays.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Balzac's most notable works include:
Père Goriot (1835), a novel that explores the themes of family, love, and social class.
Eugénie Grandet (1833), a novel that critiques the excesses of the French aristocracy.
A Study of M. Gobseck (1839), an essay that showcases Balzac's mastery of characterization.Impact and Legacy
Balzac's impact on literature cannot be overstated. His innovative use of realistic detail and his commitment to exploring the social and economic realities of his time paved the way for later Realist writers, including Gustave Flaubert and Émile Zola.
Today, Balzac is remembered as one of the greatest writers of all time. His work continues to captivate readers with its insight into human nature and its nuanced portrayal of the complexities of society.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Balzac's quotes are often cited for their wisdom, wit, and insight into human behavior. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"Behind every successful man there stands a disappointed woman."
* "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Balzac's legacy extends far beyond his own writing. He is remembered as a pioneer of Realism, a master of characterization, and a chronicler of the human experience. His work continues to inspire writers, artists, and thinkers to this day.
As we reflect on Balzac's life and work, we are reminded of the power of literature to capture the complexities of our shared human experience.
Quotes by Balzac
Das war die Frau mit ihren plötzlichen Ängsten, ihren grundlosen Launen, ihren unwillkürlichen Verwirrungen, ihren unmotivierten Kühnheiten, ihren Wagnissen und ihrer reizenden Zartheit der Gefühle.
C'était une de ces soirées délicieuses à l'âme, un de ces moments qui ne s'oublient jamais, une de ces heures passées dans la paix et le désir, et dont, plus tard, le charme est toujours un sujet de regret, même quand nous nous trouvons plus heureux.
Les souffrances morales, auprès desquelles pâlissent les douleurs physiques, excitent cependant moins de pitié, parce-qu'on ne les voit point.
Esistono poi degli individui nati mercenari che non fanno alcun bene agli amici o ai parenti per il fatto che è dovuto; mentre dal fare un piacere a sconosciuti, traggono un pizzico d'amor proprio: più il cerchio dei loro affetti è vicino, meno amano; più si allarga, più diventano premurosi.