La Religieuse

A novel written in the late 18th century. The story follows the young protagonist, Suzanne, who is forced into a convent by her parents and struggles against the oppressive life of a nun. Diderot's exploration of themes such as individual freedom, the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations, and the injustices of the religious institution figures prominently in Suzanne's tale. The opening of the novel sets the stage for Suzanne's unfortunate circumstances, detailing her family background, her feelings of alienation, and her eventual commitment to the convent. Initially made to feel inferior and unloved compared to her sisters, Suzanne is unexpectedly thrust into a life she does not wish for when her parents decide to secure her future by compelling her to take religious vows. As she grapples with her predicament, a series of encounters in the convent reveal the harsh realities of monastic life and the oppressive nature of those who govern it. The narrative captures her emotional struggles and the tension between her inner convictions and external pressures, laying the foundation for her journey of resistance and self-discovery.