Used book – La princesse de Clèves, Madame de La Fayette, Marie-Madeleine Fragonard

Edition presented and annotated by Marie-Madeleine Fragonard, Professor of French Literature at the University of Paris III.

Whispered about, announced, and prepared for six years, this novel of emotional turmoil, passion, and death was awaited as a masterpiece. It was poised to transcend centuries in its pristine perfection.

At the court of Henry II, Mademoiselle de Chartres meets and marries the Prince de Clèves. Soon after her marriage, at a court ball, she falls passionately in love with the Duc de Nemours. Despite the intensity of their feelings, the two young people remain silent. One day, Madame de Clèves, a paragon of virtue, confesses her forbidden love to her husband. And this confession changes nothing. Tormented by suspicion and jealousy, the prince believes he has been deceived. It is now up to the princess to determine her own destiny...

Read with the complete text and preface Understand with The Keys to the Work 34 pages for the essentials 37 pages for in-depth study