Eugénie Grandet

Author: (French) Honoré de Balzac
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The 1839 edition of Balzac's La Comédie Humaine includes a four-line dedication to Maria, accompanied by his autograph signature. Research suggests that this Maria is the prototype for Eugénie Grandet. Her real name was Maria Frenay, also known as Madame Frenay. Balzac personified himself in the character of Eugénie, who represents a sentimental, contemplative young man from Tours, eager to achieve his extreme desire for success through his pen. Without enough courage to resist his environment, he might have been confined by the melancholy and traditional provincial life. This book tells the story of one of the four misers—Grandet.