Modeste Mignon. By Honoré de Balzac FULL Audiobook
Here's a detailed summary of "Modeste Mignon" by Honoré de Balzac:
Overview:
"Modeste Mignon" is the fifth novel in the Scènes de la vie privée (Scenes of Private Life) series within La Comédie humaine, Balzac's monumental literary project. The novel was first serialized in a bowdlerized edition in the Journal des débats in April, May, and July 1844. Later, an expanded version was published in two parts under the titles "Modeste Mignon" and "Les Trois amoureux" (The Three Suitors). The final edition appeared in 1846 as part of Furne's complete edition of La Comédie humaine.
Plot Summary:
The story revolves around Modeste Mignon, a young provincial woman with a romantic temperament. She becomes infatuated with the famous Parisian poet Melchior de Canalis, whose works have stirred her passion. Modeste begins corresponding with Canalis, pouring out her admiration and love through letters. However, the poet remains unmoved by her attentions.
The novel explores themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of human relationships. Here are some key points from the plot:
1. Modeste's Idealization of Canalis:
- Modeste, despite her modest background, dreams of a grand love story. She idealizes Canalis, considering him a paragon of poetic genius.
- Her correspondence with Canalis becomes a lifeline, and she pours her heart into her letters.
2. Canalis and His Secretary:
- Canalis, uninterested in Modeste, delegates the task of responding to her letters to his secretary, Ernest de la Brière.
- Ernest, a sensitive and compassionate man, becomes deeply involved in the correspondence.
3. Parallel with Balzac's Life:
- Balzac wrote "Modeste Mignon" after returning from Saint Petersburg, where he spent time with his future wife, Countess Ewelina Hańska.
- The novel's plot draws inspiration from Balzac's own experiences and the correspondence between the German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and the young German Romantic Bettina Brentano.
4. Modeste's Family and Suitors:
- Modeste's father, Charles Mignon, is a wealthy merchant. He is protective of his daughter and wants her to marry well.
- Three suitors vie for Modeste's hand:
- Ernest de la Brière, who secretly loves her.
- Latournelle, a notary.
- Canalis, the distant poet.
5. The Ill-Watched Girl:
- The first part of the novel is based on a traditional folktale called "La fille mal gardée" (The Ill-Watched Girl).
- In this tale, a young woman defies her guardians' efforts to preserve her chastity and takes a lover.
6. Modeste's Journey:
- Modeste's journey involves self-discovery, disillusionment, and the realization that love is more complex than her romantic fantasies.
- The novel delves into the intricacies of human emotions, societal expectations, and the clash between idealism and reality.
Dedication:
Balzac dedicates the novel to Countess Hańska, describing her as an enigmatic blend of contradictions. She is both angelic and witch-like, childlike yet experienced, and a poet in her dreams. The dedication reflects Balzac's deep affection for his future wife.
In summary, "Modeste Mignon" weaves together love, literature, and the human heart, capturing the essence of Balzac's exploration of private lives in a changing society.
:
: .
More: Modeste Mignon, Honoré de Balzac, Audiobook
French literature, Romantic novel, Parisian society
Love story, Literary classic, 19th-century literature
Character development, Intrigue, Social commentary
Ambition, Artistic aspirations, Unrequited love
00:00:00 01 - Dedication and Chapter 1 - The Chalet
00:21:02 02 - A Portrait from Life
00:34:20 03 - Preliminaries
00:53:54 04 - A Simple Story
01:11:35 05 - The Problem Still Unsolved
01:29:24 06 - A Maiden's First Romance
01:51:18 07 - A Poet of the Angelic School
02:18:58 08 - Blade to Blade
02:40:31 09 - The Power of the Unseen
02:57:56 10 - The Marriage of Souls
03:22:02 11 - What Comes of Correspondence
03:38:08 12 - A Declaration of Love, Set to Music
04:00:43 13 - A Full-Length Portrait of Monsieur de la Briere
04:25:53 14 - Matters Grown Complicated
04:50:08 15 - A Father Steps in
05:17:17 16 - Disenchanted
05:28:49 17 - A Third Suitor
05:50:40 18 - A Splendid First Appearance
06:11:53 19 - Of which the Author Thinks a Good Deal
06:35:49 20 - The Poet Does his Exercises
06:56:46 21 - Modeste Plays her Part
07:17:24 22 - A Riddle Guessed
07:35:46 23 - Butscha Distinguishes himself
07:52:16 24 - The Poet Feels that he is Loved too Well
08:14:34 25 - A Diplomatic Letter
08:30:16 26 - True Love
08:45:14 27 - A Girl's Revenge
09:00:25 28 - Modeste Behaves with Dignity
09:15:51 29 - Conclusion
