BALZAC AND ALCHEMY (FRANCE).
Item
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Title
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BALZAC AND ALCHEMY (FRANCE).
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Identifier
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AAI8319780
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identifier
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8319780
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Creator
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LONG, NILA CROZIER.
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Contributor
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Bettina Knapp
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Date
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1983
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Literature, Romance
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Abstract
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The intent of this study is to use alchemy as a framework for the interpretation of five of Balzac's novels. The premise of such an analysis is twofold: namely, alchemy and Balzac have common ground in the beliefs that the material world reflects the spiritual/psychological realm and that the correspondence between the concrete, physical world and the intangible, mental domain can be demonstrated through the dynamics of transformation (i.e., individual development, evolution).;An alchemical approach has been used in the explication of Balzac's works; that is, the organization inherent to the operations and procedures in alchemy serves as a basis upon which to chart the protagonist's changing states (transformation) throughout the novel. The external world of actions, environment, physical appearance, etc., is shown, through reference to alchemical metaphor, to be an extension of the inner world of thoughts and feelings.;The first three chapters serve to explain alchemy from the point of view of its origins and philosophy, with special attention being given to the two important concepts, Prima Materia and Mercurius: the alchemical versions of the Principles of Matter and Spirit. In the next section, two chapters are included; the first points out some patterns common to literature and alchemy, and the second chapter explores the mutuality of beliefs which exists between the alchemist and Balzac. Following this material, the alchemical outlook is applied to the interpretation of La Peau de Chagrin, Ursule Mirouet, Louis Lambert, Seraph(')ita, and La Recherche de l'Absolu. The final section of the work views the theme of death (in each of the same novels) as an aspect of the alchemical symbolism of transcendence and rebirth.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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French
