Born today in 1634, one of the world's earliest novelists, Madame de La Fayette (the Contessa Marie Madeleine La Fayette) was the author of several novels. Most notably, she is believed to have been the author of "La Princesse de Clèves," published anonymously in March 1678.
Considered one of the earliest psychological novels, and also the first roman d'analyse (analysis novel), La Princesse de Clèves marked a major turning point in the history of the novel, which had so far specialised in telling romances, stories about heroes overcoming odds to find a happy marriage, with lots of subplots and running to as many as ten or twelve volumes.
La Princesse de Clèves was a turning point of a departure with a realistic plot, introspective language that explored the characters' inner thoughts and emotions, and only a few key subplots concerning the lives of other nobles.
"An exquisite and profound analysis of the human heart, and a moving depiction of the inseparability of love and anguish." - Penguin
Considered one of the earliest psychological novels, and also the first roman d'analyse (analysis novel), La Princesse de Clèves marked a major turning point in the history of the novel, which had so far specialised in telling romances, stories about heroes overcoming odds to find a happy marriage, with lots of subplots and running to as many as ten or twelve volumes.
La Princesse de Clèves was a turning point of a departure with a realistic plot, introspective language that explored the characters' inner thoughts and emotions, and only a few key subplots concerning the lives of other nobles.
"An exquisite and profound analysis of the human heart, and a moving depiction of the inseparability of love and anguish." - Penguin
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