La Canne De M. De Balzac

''La canne de M. de Balzac'' by Mme Émile de Girardin is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story focuses on a young and exceptionally handsome man named Tancrède, who finds his beauty to be more of a curse than a blessing, leading to a series of rejections and disappointments in his endeavors. The narrative explores themes of societal perception, beauty, and the challenges faced by those who are strikingly attractive. At the start of the novel, the author reflects on the burdens of beauty, especially for men, through the experiences of Tancrède Dorimont, who is both beautiful and unfortunate. Despite his physical allure, he struggles against the prejudices of society, as he faces obstacles due to his looks that often overshadow his intelligence and character. The opening portion delves into his tries to make his way in Paris, where he encounters various characters like the wealthy banker M. Nantua and his wife, who fear his beauty as a potential source of gossip and complications. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Tancrède's journey will involve navigating the perils of societal expectations and the mysterious allure of a prominent figure, M. de Balzac, whose remarkable cane captures his curiosity.