Gobseck audiobook by Honoré de Balzac
"Gobseck" is a novella by French novelist Honoré de Balzac, first published in 1830. It is part of Balzac's larger work, "La Comédie Humaine" ("The Human Comedy"), which is a series of novels and stories depicting French society in the first half of the 19th century.
The story of "Gobseck" revolves around the character Jean-Esther van Gobseck, a shrewd and mysterious Dutch-born Parisian usurer of immense wealth. Gobseck is known for his ability to lend money at high interest rates and for his keen understanding of human nature, especially the darker aspects of greed and desperation.
The narrative is presented from the perspective of Derville, a notary who becomes entangled in the lives of the characters associated with Gobseck. The plot delves into the Parisian high society and its underbelly, exploring themes of avarice, power, family dynamics, and the corrupting influence of money.
Gobseck is a complex character-on one hand, he is seen as cold, calculating, and ruthless in his dealings, but on the other, he exhibits a certain code of honor and an understanding of human weakness. His interactions with other characters in the story reveal various facets of his personality and the intricacies of human relationships.
The novella is notable for its detailed and realistic portrayal of Parisian society, as well as its psychological depth. Balzac's exploration of the human condition through the lens of financial dealings makes "Gobseck" a compelling read, offering insights into the motivations and consequences of human greed and ambition.
As a part of "La Comédie Humaine," "Gobseck" contributes to Balzac's grand vision of a comprehensive literary depiction of society, where characters reappear in different novels, providing a continuity and depth to the overall narrative fabric of this epic collection.
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5 мар 2024
