“Edouard”

is a novel written by the duchesse de Claire de Duras, a French writer who lived in the early 19th century. The novel was published in 1825 and is a notable work of French Romanticism. “Edouard” tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a man from a different social class, and the challenges that they face as a result.

The story is set in Paris in the early 19th century, during the Bourbon Restoration. The main character is a young woman named Mathilde, who comes from a wealthy and influential family. She lives a sheltered life, with few opportunities to meet people outside of her social circle. One day, Mathilde meets a man named Edouard, who is a commoner and works as a clerk in her father’s office. Despite their different social backgrounds, Mathilde and Edouard fall in love.

Their love is complicated by the social norms of the time, which forbid people from different social classes from marrying. Mathilde’s family disapproves of her relationship with Edouard and attempts to put a stop to it. They make plans for Mathilde to marry a man of their choosing, but she resists, knowing that she cannot be happy without Edouard.

As Mathilde struggles with her love for Edouard and the expectations of her family, she finds an unexpected ally in her mother. Despite her own reservations about the relationship, Mathilde’s mother sympathizes with her daughter’s predicament and tries to help her. Together, they come up with a plan to help Mathilde and Edouard be together, but it is ultimately unsuccessful.

The novel is notable for its portrayal of the emotions and inner lives of its characters. Mathilde is a complex and sympathetic character, torn between her love for Edouard and her duty to her family. Edouard, too, is portrayed as a fully-realized character, with his own hopes and fears. The novel also explores the themes of social class and the constraints that it places on individuals.

In addition to its literary merits, “Edouard” is historically significant as a work of French Romanticism. The novel was written at a time when Romanticism was at its height in France, and it incorporates many of the key elements of the movement. These include an emphasis on emotion and individualism, as well as a fascination with the past.

Overall, “Edouard” is a compelling and emotional novel that explores the complexities of love and social class. Its portrayal of a young woman struggling to navigate the expectations of her family and society remains relevant to this day. The novel is a testament to the enduring power of Romantic literature and its ability to speak to readers across generations.