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Classical literature

The Wild Ass's Skin

Honoré de Balzac
fr. La Peau de chagrin · 1831
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Book Review

Book Review

The Wild Ass's Skin by Honoré de Balzac is a profound philosophical work that explores themes of desire, power, and human nature. Critics note that the novel masterfully combines elements of realism and fantasy, creating a unique atmosphere. The protagonist, Raphael de Valentin, receives a magical wild ass's skin that grants his wishes, but with each fulfilled wish, his life shortens. This serves as a metaphor highlighting the dangers of excessive ambitions and aspirations. Balzac skillfully demonstrates how the thirst for power and wealth can lead to self-destruction. Critics also admire the richness of language and the depth of psychological analysis of the characters, making the novel one of the key works of 19th-century French literature.

The Wild Ass's Skin
Date of publication: 14 May 2024
Updated: 14 July 2024
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Author: 
Honoré de Balzac
Original title: fr. La Peau de chagrin · 1831
Content: 
This material is prepared for educational purposes and is not a reproduction of the original text. We do not use protected elements of the work (text, structure, unique scenes).