Lost Illusions

Historical Context and Significance

Honoré de Balzac's novel «Lost Illusions» is one of the key works in his series «The Human Comedy», which aims to depict French society in the first half of the 19th century. The book explores themes of ambition, corruption, and moral decay, following the fate of the young poet Lucien Chardon, who seeks to conquer Paris. Balzac illustrates how provincial dreams clash with the harsh reality of city life, where success often comes at the cost of compromise and betrayal. The novel critically examines journalism, publishing, and literary circles of the time, exposing their cynicism and venality. «Lost Illusions» had a significant impact on literature, becoming one of the first works to deeply explore the inner workings of society and human psychology. The book also inspired many writers and thinkers, including Marcel Proust and Fyodor Dostoevsky, and remains relevant in discussions of moral and ethical issues in the modern world.