The Lesser Bourgeoisie (The Middle Classes)

The Lesser Bourgeoisie (French: Les Petits Bourgeois also known as The Middle Classes) is a novel written by the French author Honoré de Balzac. It is part of Balzac's vast series of novels and stories collectively known as La Comédie Humaine which provides a comprehensive and panoramic view of French society in the 19th century.The Lesser Bourgeoisie was first published in 1830 and is categorized within the section of La Comédie Humaine called Scenes from Private Life. The novel explores the lives aspirations and social struggles of the middle class in France during the early 19th century. Balzac portrays the complexities and contradictions of middle-class life revealing the ambitions values and moral dilemmas of his characters.The central character of the novel is Madame Marneffe a beautiful and manipulative woman who plays a key role in the story's intricate web of relationships and intrigues. The novel also features other memorable characters such as Baron Hulot who is entangled in a complicated love affair and Valerie Crevel a calculating and ambitious woman.As with many of Balzac's works The Lesser Bourgeoisie is known for its vivid characterizations detailed descriptions of social settings and its exploration of the complexities of human nature. It offers a critical examination of the aspirations and values of the middle class during the turbulent era of the July Monarchy in France.