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    The Princess of Clèves by Madame de La Fayette (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide
    The Princess of Clèves by Madame de La Fayette (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide
    The Princess of Clèves by Madame de La Fayette (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide
    Ebook41 pages33 minutes

    The Princess of Clèves by Madame de La Fayette (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

    By Bright Summaries

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    About this ebook

    Unlock the more straightforward side of The Princess of Clèves with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!

    This engaging summary presents an analysis of The Princess of Clèves by Madame de La Fayette, a psychological novel which examines the questions of duty, fidelity and passion in marriage. The Princess of Clèves is a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who falls in love with a dashing duke. However, her sense of duty prevents her from ever realising this passion, and the novel charts her struggle with herself to stay true to her husband. The Princess of Clèves is widely regarded as one of the classics of French literature, as well as being one of the first modern psychological novels. Despite that, it was published anonymously, as Madame de La Fayette, being a woman and an aristocrat, did not want to be credited with the writing of a novel. However, La Fayette was greatly involved in the world of literature, frequenting the literary salons of the time and acquainted with the works of many great writers. She died in 1693.

    Find out everything you need to know about The Princess of Clèves in a fraction of the time!

    This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
    • A complete plot summary
    • Character studies
    • Key themes and symbols
    • Questions for further reflection

    Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
    Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

    See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrightSummaries.com
    Release dateMay 24, 2017
    ISBN9782806296887
    The Princess of Clèves by Madame de La Fayette (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

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      The Princess of Clèves by Madame de La Fayette (Book Analysis) - Bright Summaries

      French writer

      Born in Paris in 1634.

      Died in Paris in 1693.

      Notable works:

      The Princess of Montpensier (1662), novel

      Zaïde (1669-1671), novel

      The Princess of Clèves (1678), novel

      Marie-Madeleine Pioche de La Vergne, comtesse de La Fayette, was born on 18 March 1634 and died of a heart condition in Paris on 25 May 1693. She was the daughter of a minor noble. Her father died in 1649, and her mother then remarried a man called Renaud de Sévigné, the uncle of the Marquise de Sévigné (French writer, 1626-1696). Marie-Madeleine became friends with the Marquise, who invited her to frequent court society and the literary salons of the time. This is where she met Jean-François Motier, comte de La Fayette, who she married. However, it was a loveless marriage, and whatever feelings there ever were between them quickly dwindled away, with Motier deciding to leave his wife in Paris to go to the countryside.

      In the literary salons, La Fayette met La Rochefoucauld (French writer, 1613-1680), who she became close friends with. Thanks to this relationship, she found herself immersed in the literary world. As a result, she began to read the works of Racine (1639-1699), Corneille (1606-1684) and many other authors.

      During all the years spent in the heart of this literary society, she first wrote two stories: The Princess of Montpensier (1662) and Zaïde (1670), which perfectly illustrate the literary themes of the time. However, La Fayette was eager to innovate

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