The Country Doctor

Interesting Facts

• The book is part of the "The Human Comedy" series, in which Balzac aimed to create a panorama of French society of his time.
• The main character, Dr. Benassis, represents the ideal of a doctor who not only treats illnesses but also strives to improve the lives of his patients and society as a whole.
• The novel explores themes of social justice and moral responsibility, which were innovative for literature at the time.
• Balzac uses the figure of Dr. Benassis to critique the social system and inequality existing in 19th-century France.
• The book is also known for its detailed depiction of rural life and customs, making it an important historical document about life in provincial France of that era.