Adolphe is just past the his coming-of-age, but has a much more room to
grow. As the son of a government official, Adolphe has a privilege of
comfortable wealth and access to a good education, however, he feels
trapped in routine, boredom, and a bleak world. Shaped by his childhood,
Adolphe has a melancholy outlook on life, turning him into an
introverted young man. After he graduates from college, Adolphe
struggles to find fulfillment, so he travels to Germany for an
adventure. There, he feels overwhelmed and displeased by the stupidity
he perceives from society, earning him a reputation for an unpleasant
wit. While he is just looking for fun, Adolphe meets Ellénore, a
thirty-two-year-old Polish refugee. Though she has a husband and two
kids, Adolphe is enamored by her. As if it were a game, Adolphe is
dedicated to seducing Ellénore, but soon finds himself deeply in love
with her. They engage in an illicit affair, riddled with jealousy,
secrets, and lust. Despite these qualities, and that Ellénore is ten
years older than Adolphe and married, they share a significant love for
each other. However, they are quickly shunned from society when their
affair is made public, causing Adolphe to worry that their relationship
could affect his future endeavors. When Ellénore makes the sacrifice of
leaving her family behind to fully commit to him, Adolphe must decide if
he is willy to do the same for her.
When Adolphe was first released in 1816, it invited controversy due to
the resemblance to Benjamin Constant's own romantic affairs. Since then,
Benjamin Constant's Adolphe piques readers interests with its
passionate romance and complicated protagonist. Adolphe's indecisive
immaturity invokes strong emotions from audiences, both sympathetic and
critical. With elements of a coming-of-age story and philosophical
observations, this romantic novel appeals to a wide range of audiences,
engaging readers with its eclectic genre and themes that prove to still
be relatable to a contemporary audience.
This edition of Benjamin Constant's Adolphe is perfect for a modern
reader. With an eye-catching cover design and a stylish font, Adolphe
by Benjamin Constant has been restored for the 21st century.
