Pier Paolo Portinaro
Università di Torino
Abstract
The paper suggests some possible research approach in order to provide the reader a valid interpretative framework of the Comédie humaine that allows to better understand Balzac’s project of a picture of the social reality as a whole. Two main features emerge: his relationship with the historical novel (particularly with Victor Hugo) and his connection to the rising sociology and statistics. On this specific point, the paper compares the Comédie with the legacy of the writings of Louis-Sébastien Mercier, whose Tableau de Paris inaugurated a new literary genus. Moreover, Balzac’s critics of bourgeoise modernity – intended as a result of the despotism of money and of parliamentarism – requires a further analysis on his original sources: Rousseau, Bonald, Saint-Simon, Fourier.
Keywords
Historical Novel – Sociology – Tableau de Paris – Critics of Bourgeoise – Modernity
DOI: 10.13131/2611-9757.suitefrancaise.n2.3
