Pride

About the book

"Pride: One of the Seven Cardinal Sins" by Eugène Sue is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Commander Bernard, a retired naval officer living a modest life in Paris, and his interactions with his housekeeper, Madame Barbançon. The opening chapters introduce the dynamics of their relationship, interspersed with themes of pride, social class, and honor, as well as the character of Olivier Raymond, Bernard's nephew, who is navigating the complexities of military life and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, we meet Commander Bernard, who leads a quiet life filled with gardening and reminiscences about his past military exploits. His relationship with Madame Barbançon is somewhat tumultuous; she maintains a strong personality that often clashes with Bernard’s gentle nature. Meanwhile, Bernard’s nephew, Olivier, is introduced as he adopts a military career, revealing familial tensions and aspirations. The opening sets the stage for character development and explores themes of personal pride versus social expectations in a rapidly evolving society, suggesting a deeper critique of the societal norms that govern the lives of its characters.