Ah, Sir, a novel is a mirror carried along a high road. At … - Stendhal

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Ah, Sir, a novel is a mirror carried along a high road. At one moment it reflects to your vision the azure skies, at another the mire of the puddles at your feet. And the man who carries this mirror in his pack will be accused by you of being immoral! His mirror shews the mire, and you blame the mirror! Rather blame that high road upon which the puddle lies, still more the inspector of roads who allows the water to gather and the puddle to form.

Stendhal

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novels books social-criticism satire

English

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About Stendhal

Marie-Henri Beyle (January 23, 1783 – March 23, 1842), more widely known as Stendhal, the most famous of his many pen-names, was a 19th century French writer.

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Also Known As

Alternative Names: Henri Beyle • Marie Henri Beyle • Marie-Henri Beyle

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A novel is a mirror walking along a main road.

Originators like Stendhal:

Honoré de Balzac George Sand Oscar Wilde William Somerset Maugham Molière

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Could anything possibly be more humorous than believing in the depth or in the depravity of the Parisian character?

Am cautat cu delicata sensibilitate peisajele frumoase; e singurul motiv pentru care am caltorit. Peisajele erau ca un arcus care canta pe sufletul meu, si anume acelea pe care nu le cita nimeni[...].

Romanian

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Napoleon was indeed the man sent by God to help the youth of France! Who is to take his place?

Ah, Sir, a novel is a mirror carried along a high road. At one moment it reflects to your vision the azure skies, at another the mire of the puddles … - Stendhal

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