Cousin Bette

Historical Context and Significance

The novel «Cousin Bette» by Honoré de Balzac, published in 1846, is part of the cycle «La Comédie Humaine» and serves as a vivid example of 19th-century realist literature. At the heart of the plot is a story of revenge and intrigue within a bourgeois family, allowing the author to explore themes of envy, ambition, and the destructive consequences of human passions. The book reflects the social and economic changes in France at the time, demonstrating the impact of capitalism on social relations and moral values. «Cousin Bette» significantly influenced the development of the European novel, contributing to the establishment of realism as a literary movement. The work also inspired many writers and artists exploring themes of social inequality and the psychological depth of characters.