Parma Monastery

Author: Stendhal
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: This is another important long novel by Stendhal, the author of The Red and the Black. The protagonist Fabrice, from a young age, wins the affection of his aunt and, as a handsome young man, gains the favor of many women. After returning from the Battle of Waterloo to Parma and becoming an auxiliary bishop, he encounters an actress, accidentally kills her lover, and is forced to flee to Bologna. In his boredom, he meets a famous singer, Fusta, and gets involved in a farcical romantic affair, but none of these are love. It is only after he is imprisoned and meets the daughter of the fortress commander, Clélie, that he transforms into a different person. Stendhal portrays his love for this proud and pure girl with such moving passion. Additionally, the depiction of the Battle of Waterloo in the book reflects the author's realistic writing style and has become a famous chapter in literary history.