This edition had all images removed.
Title: The Atheist's Mass
Note: Reading ease score: 71.7 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Credits: Produced by Dagny, and David Widger
Summary: "The Atheist's Mass" by Honoré de Balzac is a short story written in the early 19th century, during the times of Romanticism. The narrative explores themes of faith and skepticism, primarily through the experiences of a prominent surgeon, Desplein, and his relationship with his devoted assistant, Bianchon. This story delves into the complex nature of belief, the contradictions within human behavior, and the depth of gratitude intertwined with personal struggles. The plot centers on Horace Bianchon, who admires his mentor, the great atheist surgeon Desplein. Bianchon is perplexed upon discovering Desplein attending mass at a church, which contradicts his known beliefs. As the story unfolds, Desplein shares the poignant story of his impoverished early years, highlighting the kindness and support of his benefactor, a humble water carrier named Bourgeat. This relationship profoundly influences Desplein's views, leading him to honor Bourgeat's memory by funding masses in his name, despite his lack of faith. Ultimately, the tale captures the intricate balance of personal experience, morality, and the human need for meaning as part of the larger question of existence and spirituality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Author: Balzac, Honoré de, 1799-1850
Translator: Bell, Clara, 1834-1927
EBook No.: 1220
Published: Dec 3, 2005
Downloads: 197
Language: English
Subject: French fiction -- Translations into English
LoCC: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Category: Text
Rights: Public domain in the USA.
This edition has images.
Title: The Atheist's Mass
Note: Reading ease score: 71.7 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.
Credits: Produced by Dagny, and David Widger
Summary: "The Atheist's Mass" by Honoré de Balzac is a short story written in the early 19th century, during the times of Romanticism. The narrative explores themes of faith and skepticism, primarily through the experiences of a prominent surgeon, Desplein, and his relationship with his devoted assistant, Bianchon. This story delves into the complex nature of belief, the contradictions within human behavior, and the depth of gratitude intertwined with personal struggles. The plot centers on Horace Bianchon, who admires his mentor, the great atheist surgeon Desplein. Bianchon is perplexed upon discovering Desplein attending mass at a church, which contradicts his known beliefs. As the story unfolds, Desplein shares the poignant story of his impoverished early years, highlighting the kindness and support of his benefactor, a humble water carrier named Bourgeat. This relationship profoundly influences Desplein's views, leading him to honor Bourgeat's memory by funding masses in his name, despite his lack of faith. Ultimately, the tale captures the intricate balance of personal experience, morality, and the human need for meaning as part of the larger question of existence and spirituality. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Author: Balzac, Honoré de, 1799-1850
Translator: Bell, Clara, 1834-1927
EBook No.: 1220
Published: Dec 3, 2005
Downloads: 197
Language: English
Subject: French fiction -- Translations into English
LoCC: Language and Literatures: Romance literatures: French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese
Category: Text
Rights: Public domain in the USA.