Book Description

This study of Balzac's work examines theater in La Comedie humaine both as a theme in itself and for its influence on Balzac's techniques and modes of presentation in his novels, and demonstrates the symbiotic influence of novel and stage on Balzac's work as a playwright and novelist. Gives an account of his experience in theater, and examines the history of his portrayal of the theater world and how this portrayal serves his narrative purpose. Demonstrates how and why Balzac relies on the theater for metaphor and expressive devices, and shows how he brought scrutiny of the capitalist ethos to the stage. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR