Cousin Bette

La Cousine Bette: A Masterpiece of Realism

Imagine a world where the lines between vice and virtue blur, and the power of revenge can destroy entire families. That’s exactly what Honoré de Balzac brings to life in his 1846 novel La Cousine Bette. This captivating tale is not just a story; it’s a window into the complex social dynamics of mid-19th century France.

The Plot Unfolds: A Tale of Revenge and Ruin

At its core, La Cousine Bette is about an unmarried middle-aged woman named Bette who plots the destruction of her extended family. She works with Valérie Marneffe to seduce and torment men, including Baron Hector Hulot, whom she causes financial ruin for in order to please a young lady he is infatuated with. This plot raises the question: Can revenge truly be sweet?

Realism Meets Romance

Balzac’s writing style became popular through his use of the roman-feuilleton, but La Cousine Bette stands out as a masterpiece of classical realism. The novel is filled with vivid descriptions and complex characters that feel like they could step right off the page. Balzac’s goal was to write a realist novel, and history has declared him successful. The novel is considered one of the great achievements of nineteenth-century realism, comparing it to War and Peace.

The Characters: A Panorama of Moralities

The characters in La Cousine Bette represent a wide spectrum of moralities. Adeline Hulot is pressured into an affair with Célestin Crevel by his desire for revenge against Baron Hector Hulot, who had previously won the affections of Josépha Mirah and borrowed heavily from her husband to pay off debts. Bette Hulot, Adeline’s cousin, seeks revenge on the family after being rejected by a middle-class suitor and later finding love with an unsuccessful Polish sculptor named Wenceslas Steinbock, whom she then loses when he marries Hortense Hulot.

These characters are not just one-dimensional; they have extensive back-stories and biographical depth. For example, Célestin Crevel first appeared in Balzac’s 1837 novel César Birotteau, working for the title character. Having accumulated a considerable fortune in that book, Crevel spends his time in La Cousine Bette enjoying the spoils of his labor.

Bette: A Demoniacal Presence

Bette is attributed to have a fierce persona partly from her peasant background and partly from her virginity, which provides ‘diabolical strength.’ Her name in French is a homophone for ‘bête’ (‘beast’), and her voice is described as having ‘tiger-like jealousy,’ with her ferocity coming to the surface when learning of Steinbock’s engagement to Hortense. Critics call Bette ‘demonic’ and one of Balzac’s most terrifying creations due to her willingness to manipulate those around her.

Themes: Passion, Vice, and Virtue

The novel explores passion, vice, and virtue through various characters. Valérie is driven by destructive passion, mocking virtue while celebrating her own malicious intent. Bette lives for vengeance, reveling in ruin and cruelty. Hulot’s desire causes devastating consequences to those around him, even if unintentionally. Adeline appears virtuous but is actually a dupe who sacrifices herself through complicity with her husband’s infidelity.

These themes create a stark contrast between vice and virtue, highlighting the consequences of passion and its manifestations. The novel presents a world where gender roles are central, with Bette embodying unconventional relationships that hint at her masculinity. Her relationship with Valérie is layered with overtones of lesbianism, adding another layer to the complex web of emotions and motivations.

Historical Context: A Time of Transformation

The mid-19th century was a time of transformation in French government and society. The reign of King Charles X ended in 1830, and Louis-Philippe took the throne, marking a shift towards industrial development and the rise of the bourgeoisie. Balzac’s writing during this period reflects these changes, with characters representing contrasting moralities and exploring themes of vice, virtue, money, and homoeroticism.

Legacy: A Last Great Work

Balzac had written more than seventy novels when he began La Cousine Bette, and populated them with recurring characters. Many of the characters in the novel appear with extensive back-stories and biographical depth, making the narrative rich and layered. The novel is considered Balzac’s last great work, combining his trademark use of realism with an exploration of complex social issues.

La Cousine Bette has been adapted several times for the screen, including a 1928 film directed by Max DeRieux, a 1971 BBC serial starring Helen Mirren, and a 1998 film directed by Des McAnuff starring Jessica Lange. The novel’s enduring popularity speaks to its timeless themes and Balzac’s masterful storytelling.

As we delve into the pages of La Cousine Bette, we are reminded that revenge may be sweet, but it often comes at a great cost. Balzac’s work continues to captivate readers with its intricate plot, complex characters, and profound exploration of human nature.