Eugenie Grandet - New Curriculum Recommended Reading - Classic for Youngsters by Green Apple

Author: Balzac
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Eugenie Grandet depicts a common story of a devoted woman betrayed by a heartless man: the miserly and shrewd millionaire Grandet, who has a naive and beautiful only daughter. She falls in love with a bankrupt and destitute relative, and to help him "make his way in the world," she willingly sacrifices everything, infuriating her money-loving father. A fierce conflict erupts between father and daughter, so much so that the timid and virtuous mother, frightened, falls ill and passes away. Yet, the passionate young woman, who loses both her father and youth in anticipation, finally awaits only the returning faithless man who has grown wealthy. The captivating aspect of the work lies in the author's sharp pen that portrays the image of a money-hungry miser—Grandet—and reveals the destructive nature of excessive greed for wealth on human nature and familial bonds. It can corrupt a person and disintegrate a family. Balzac (1799-1850), born into a noble family, wrote early works with strong romantic elements before shifting to realistic themes. He published novels such as The Uprising of the Luddites, Eugenie Grandet, Père Goriot, and Le Philtre. In 1834, he planned to create a monumental series, La Comédie Humaine, reflecting post-bourgeois revolution French society (comprising about 137 works). However, he only completed dozens of them, including Lost Illusions, Bette, Cousin Pons, and The Peasants. The storyline of this book remains completely faithful to the original, accompanied by exquisite and vivid illustrations. It is believed that after reading it, children will gain a deeper understanding and insight into life and society.