Author Description
'For certain men the stronger their desire, the less likely they are to act.' With his first glimpse of Madame Arnoux, Frédéric Moreau is convinced he has found his romantic destiny, but when he pursues her to Paris the young student is unable to translate his passion into decisive action. He also finds himself distracted by the equally romantic appeal of political action in the turbulent years leading up to the revolution of 1848, and by the attractions of three other women, each of whom seeks to make him her own: a haughty society lady, a capricious courtesan, and an artless country girl. Flaubert offers a vivid and unsparing portrait of the young men of his generation, struggling to salvage something of their ideals in a city where corruption, consumerism, and a pervasive sense of disenchantment undermine all but the most compromised erotic, aesthetic, and social initiatives. Sentimental Education combines thoroughgoing irony with an impartial but unexpectedly intense sympathy in a novel whose realism competes with that of Balzac and whose innovations in narrative plot and perspective mark a turning-point in the development of literary modernism. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
Frédéric Moreau’s life is defined by his inability to act upon his desires, leading to a series of missed opportunities and romantic entanglements. As a young student arriving in Paris, Frédéric seeks to fulfill his romantic destiny with Madame Arnoux while navigating the volatile political climate of 1848 France. He faces constant internal conflict between his idealistic aspirations and his passive nature, which is frequently exploited by the social and political forces surrounding him. The narrative follows his aimless progression through various relationships and social circles, illustrating the disconnect between his intentions and his reality.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Third-person limited perspective focusing on Frédéric's internal state
- Detailed depiction of the 1848 French Revolution and its aftermath
- Satirical examination of bourgeois social structures and consumerism
- Use of irony to highlight the protagonist's lack of agency
- Multi-layered character studies of four distinct female figures
- Realistic portrayal of mid-19th-century Parisian life
- Non-traditional narrative structure that prioritizes character study over plot progression
- Exploration of the transition from romantic idealism to disillusionment
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics often identify this work as a foundational text in the development of literary modernism due to its innovative narrative techniques. Discussion frequently centers on the protagonist's profound passivity and how it serves as a critique of the generation that lived through the 1848 revolution. Many highlight the balance between the meticulous historical setting and the internal psychological decay of the characters. The novel is noted for its refusal to provide traditional catharsis, which some find challenging while others appreciate for its commitment to realism. Scholars often emphasize the author's impartial tone, which allows the reader to observe the characters' failures without moralizing commentary.
Page Count:
480
Publication Date:
2016-01-01
ISBN-10:
0191510130
ISBN-13:
9780191510137
Historical Fiction
Coming of Age
REALISM
English
English & College Success
Political fiction
French literature
Classic Literature