The Red Lily — Complete

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

3922

Title

The Red Lily — Complete

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Paris and Florence, Anatole France's 'The Red Lily' explores the volatile intersection of art, love, and skepticism. Through the passionate, often destructive relationship between the sculptor Jacques Dechartre and the married woman Therese, the novel examines how intense emotion can dismantle reason and happiness. France's signature irony and elegant prose create a poignant study of human frailty and the 'divine malady' of love.

Summary up to 500 words

Anatole France's *The Red Lily* presents a tragic exploration of love, obsession, and the destructive power of intense emotion. The narrative centers on Therese, a woman of refinement and artistic sensibility living in Paris and Florence, and Jacques Dechartre, a sculptor whose admiration for her evolves into a desperate, all-consuming passion. Dechartre, a man of intellect and sensitivity, finds his world upended by his love for Therese, who remains married to a politician. His affection is not a gentle romance but a 'divine malady' that strips him of his previous contentment and artistic freedom. He becomes obsessed, viewing Therese as his sole purpose while being tormented by the knowledge of her marriage and the presence of another man in her life. Therese struggles with her own feelings, admitting to being a 'coquette' who enjoyed Dechartre's company but ultimately realizing the depth of his suffering. Her attempts to manage his feelings or maintain a friendship fail against the force of his 'cruel ardor.' The novel delves into the psychological toll of their situation, depicting scenes of jealousy, despair, and the painful realization that their love, while profound, may be impossible to sustain without destroying one or both parties. France employs a tone that is both sympathetic and critically detached, using irony to highlight the absurdity and tragedy of human desires. The setting, rich with references to art, history, and literature, serves as a backdrop to these intimate dramas. The narrative builds toward a climax where the boundaries between love, hate, and self-destruction blur, questioning whether the pursuit of such intense emotion is worth the cost of one's peace and sanity. The work stands as a significant contribution to French literature, showcasing France's ability to blend philosophical inquiry with deeply personal storytelling.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3922.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg3922.epub

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2026-06-30 04:06 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• Romance
• Fiction