The Princesse de Cleves by Madame de Lafayette (Oxford World’s Classics)

Description

“The Princesse de Clèves” by Madame de Lafayette is a classic French novel published in 1678 during the reign of Louis XIV. This novel is considered a masterpiece of French literature and is celebrated for its exploration of love, honor, and duty within the aristocratic society of 16th-century France.

Set in the court of Henry II and his queen, Catherine de’ Medici, the novel tells the story of Mademoiselle de Chartres, a beautiful and virtuous young woman. She is married off to the Prince de Clèves, a man of noble birth but older and not very attractive. Mademoiselle de Chartres finds herself torn between her duty as a wife and her intense, forbidden love for the dashing Duc de Nemours.

Madame de Lafayette’s novel is renowned for its psychological depth and its portrayal of the inner conflicts and emotional turmoil experienced by its characters. The central theme of the novel revolves around the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, particularly the idea of maintaining one’s honor and reputation in the court.

“The Princesse de Clèves” is notable for being one of the earliest psychological novels, delving into the characters’ thoughts, emotions, and moral dilemmas. It is also recognized for its subtle and nuanced prose, which captures the elegance and refinement of the French court of the time.

This novel is a significant work in the development of the French novel and is often studied for its historical and sociological insights into the manners and customs of the French aristocracy. “The Princesse de Clèves” continues to be an essential read for those interested in classical French literature, the psychology of love and duty, and the complexities of human relationships in the context of a highly structured society.