book lelia

lelia book by george sand

george sands timeless novel, lelia, offers a profound exploration of female consciousness and societal constraints during the 19th century. this work, penned by one of frances most influential romantic writers, delves into the complexities of love, spirituality, and existential longing. lelia is not merely a story but a philosophical inquiry into the very nature of existence and the challenges faced by women navigating a world defined by patriarchal norms. its enduring relevance speaks to the universal human search for meaning and fulfillment.

lelia summary

first published in 1833, lelia introduces readers to an iconic, intellectual woman who defies the conventions of her era. lélia herself is a figure of profound disillusionment, wrestling with metaphysical doubts and a weariness of life that belies her outward charm. she is pursued by sténio, a young poet consumed by passionate love for her, yet lélia finds herself unable to reciprocate, pushing him towards atheism and, tragically, suicide. the novel shocked contemporary audiences with its daring themes, questioning societal expectations of morality for both men and women, and suggesting that women, whether married or in professions like prostitution, were often enslaved by male desire. lélias internal conflict stems from her dissatisfaction with both ardent passion and strict celibacy, leading her to question the very foundations of love, fidelity, and religious faith. in a revised edition published in 1839, sand softened some of the more despairing elements, though the core philosophical inquiries remained. lelia stands as a significant document in the evolution of womens consciousness and a testament to sands fearless examination of the human condition.

1. full book name: lélia
2. author name: george sand
3. genre: philosophical novel, feminist novel, romantic literature, classic literature
4. page count: approximately 200-380 pages, depending on the edition.
5. isbn: various editions exist; for example, isbn 978-0-253-33318-6 and 9780253202468 are noted for english translations. another isbn is 9781502482303 for a french edition.
6. asin: not readily available or varies by edition.
7. edition language: originally french; available in english and german translations.
8. date of publication: 1833 (first version); a revised edition was published in 1839.

about the author george sand

george sand, born amantine lucile aurore dupin in 1804, was a towering figure of french romantic literature and a trailblazer for her time. known for her prolific output, including over 70 novels and numerous plays and memoirs, sand was more popular than her male contemporaries like victor hugo and honoré de balzac in england during the 1830s and 1840s. she challenged societal norms through her unconventional lifestyle, including her use of a male pseudonym and her outspoken advocacy for womens rights and social reform. her writings often drew inspiration from her love for the french countryside and her deep sympathy for the working class.

lelia faq

1. what is the primary theme of lelia?

   lelia primarily explores themes of existential disillusionment, the complexities of female desire and consciousness, and a critique of societal and religious norms that restrict women. it delves into the protagonist lélias struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in a world that offers her neither spiritual solace nor sensual satisfaction.

2. why was lelia considered controversial upon its release?

   the novel shocked contemporary readers because its heroine, lélia, openly questioned established morality, advocating for a dual standard of sexual and moral accountability for both men and women. it suggested that women, whether wives or prostitutes, were often subjected to male desire, and it challenged the sanctity of marriage, fidelity, and monastic life.

3. is lelia based on george sands own life?

   while lelia is deeply inspired by george sands own philosophical outlook and experiences, it is not a direct autobiography. the heroine lélia embodies many of sands own intellectual and emotional struggles, particularly her questioning of societal conventions and her exploration of complex relationships.

4. what is the significance of the poet sténio in lelia?

   sténio represents passionate, youthful idealism and hope, deeply in love with the enigmatic lélia. his pursuit of her and her ultimate rejection or inability to reciprocate tragically drives him towards despair, atheism, and self-destruction, highlighting the destructive potential of unfulfilled love and existential crisis within the novels narrative.

5. are there different versions of lelia?

   yes, george sand published a revised and expanded edition of lelia in 1839, two years after its initial publication in 1833. the revised version aimed to temper some of the profound despair and skepticism found in the original, though the core philosophical underpinnings remained.