Justine, or The Misfortunes of Virtue

Historical Context and Significance

“Justine, or The Misfortunes of Virtue” is a novel written by the Marquis de Sade in 1791, reflecting the author's radical views on society, morality, and virtue. Based on extreme situations and describing the life of its main character, Justine, who struggles to maintain her purity and virtue in a world of vice, this book sparked significant resonance among readers and critics of the time. The novel generated numerous discussions on themes of morality, freedom, and coercion, and its publication led to political and social debates, making it one of the most controversial works in literature. Having a significant influence on culture and literature, the book continues to provoke debates regarding its moral and aesthetic aspects and remains an important resource for studying the Enlightenment period and its darker sides.