Manon Lescaut
1731
''Manon Lescaut'' is a novel by abbé Prévost, first published in 1731, that narrates the tragic love story between the Chevalier des Grieux and the common woman Manon Lescaut. Their decision to live together without marriage leads to a moral decline, resulting in gambling, theft, and ultimately Manon's death as a deportee. The novel, notable for its realistic portrayal of Paris's low life and its detailed depiction of financial struggles, faced censorship upon release, which only increased its popularity. It is considered a classic of French literature and has inspired numerous adaptations, including operas by Puccini and Massenet.
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“The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature.””
— abbé Prévost
“It has never been matter of wonder to me that human resolutions are liable to change; one passion gives them birth, another may destroy them.””
— abbé Prévost
“May your criminal enjoyments vanish as a shadow! may your ill-gotten wealth leave you without a resource; and may you yourself remain alone and deserted, to learn the vanity of these things, which now divert you from better pursuits!””
— abbé Prévost
“The fidelity I expect of you is that of the heart””
— abbé Prévost
“Some say that Love, at sight of human ties, Spreads his light wings and in a moment flies.””
— abbé Prévost
“Love! love!.. thou art never to be reconciled with discretion!””
— abbé Prévost
“There is nothing more glorious”
— abbé Prévost
“...I love her so passionately that she has made me the most unhappy man alive.””
— abbé Prévost
“Love is an innocent passion. How is it that, for me, it's turned into a source of misery and immortality?””
— abbé Prévost
