An Episode under the Terror

Name: An Episode under the Terror
Author: Honoré de Balzac

By Honoré de Balzac

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French Literature

About This Book

Set during the Terror, the narrative follows an elderly woman of faded rank who, fearing she is being followed, seeks refuge in a pastry shop. The proprietors respond with a mixture of sympathy and suspicion when she offers a last gold coin, and their conflicting impulses—charity, self-preservation, and fear of political danger—determine whether they will escort her home. The episode examines how widespread mistrust and social dislocation shape everyday decisions, revealing the fragility of former status, the moral tensions of survival, and the small, often compromised gestures of human compassion in a time of public terror.

About the Author

Honoré de Balzac

Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright, renowned for his detailed and vivid portrayal of society in the early 19th century. His monumental work, "La Comédie Humaine," encompasses a vast array of characters and stories that explore the complexities of human nature and social dynamics. Balzac's keen observations of the bourgeoisie and the intricacies of Parisian life are evident in notable titles such as "A Daughter of Eve" and "A Distinguished Provincial at Paris." His writing style is characterized by rich descriptions and a deep psychological insight, making him a pivotal figure in the development of modern literature.