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Unconscious Comedians   By: (1799-1850)

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Unconscious Comedians by Honoré de Balzac is a remarkable work that offers a captivating glimpse into the complex world of theater during the 19th century. Balzac's unique storytelling abilities transport the reader to the vibrant world of actors, playwrights, and the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolds in their lives.

The novel revolves around the lives of three main characters: Zélie, Molineux, and Blosse. Zélie, a talented and ambitious actress, dreams of achieving fame and recognition. Molineux, a playwright, is infatuated with Zélie and his sole purpose becomes her success, even if it means facing personal sacrifices. Lastly, Blosse, an aging actor, struggles with his declining career and seeks solace in alcohol. Balzac expertly weaves their stories together, providing a detailed and vivid portrayal of their individual desires and artistic pursuits.

One of the most captivating aspects of Unconscious Comedians is Balzac's exploration of the duality between reality and illusion within the theater world. The characters' lives are intertwined with their stage roles, blurring the boundaries between their personal identities and the characters they portray. This constant play between the roles they embody and their true selves creates a thought-provoking dynamic, highlighting the complexities of human nature.

Balzac's writing style is both eloquent and descriptive, drawing readers into a world filled with passion, ambition, and insecurities. Through his rich prose, he skillfully portrays the desires, hopes, and struggles of his characters, making them relatable and engaging. The author's attention to detail in describing the various settings and scenes of the theater enhances the reader's immersion into the story, creating a sense of being present in the midst of the theatrical environment.

Another strength of this novel lies in Balzac's insightful critique of the society of his time. He delves into the social and economic challenges faced by those involved in the theater, exposing the often brutal reality behind the facade of fame and success. Balzac's exploration of the complexities of human relationships, the pursuit of artistic recognition, and the sacrifices required to achieve one's dreams make Unconscious Comedians a thought-provoking reflection of human nature that resonates with readers even today.

While the book may initially appear dense due to its intricate plot and multiple characters, perseverance rewards the reader with a profound exploration of the human condition and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment. Unconscious Comedians offers a mesmerizing journey through the world of theater and the intricacies of human ambition, making it a must-read for lovers of classic literature and anyone interested in the arts.

First Page:

UNCONSCIOUS COMEDIANS

By Honore De Balzac

Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley

DEDICATION

To Monsieur le Comte Jules de Castellane.

UNCONSCIOUS COMEDIANS

Leon de Lora, our celebrated landscape painter, belongs to one of the noblest families of the Roussillon (Spanish originally) which, although distinguished for the antiquity of its race, has been doomed for a century to the proverbial poverty of hidalgos. Coming, light footed, to Paris from the department of the Eastern Pyrenees, with the sum of eleven francs in his pocket for all viaticum, he had in some degree forgotten the miseries and privations of his childhood and his family amid the other privations and miseries which are never lacking to "rapins," whose whole fortune consists of intrepid vocation. Later, the cares of fame and those of success were other causes of forgetfulness.

If you have followed the capricious and meandering course of these studies, perhaps you will remember Mistigris, Schinner's pupil, one of the heroes of "A Start in Life" (Scenes from Private Life), and his brief apparitions in other Scenes. In 1845, this landscape painter, emulator of the Hobbemas, Ruysdaels, and Lorraines, resembles no more the shabby, frisky rapin whom we then knew... Continue reading book >>




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