Stendhal Quotes

A collection of quotes by Stendhal.

Stendhal, born Marie-Henri Beyle on January 23, 1783, in Grenoble, France, was a prominent French writer and one of the most influential figures in French literature of the early 19th century. Known for his insightful and often satirical novels, Stendhal played a significant role in shaping the literary realism movement.

As a young man, Stendhal pursued studies in law but found his true passion lying in literature. He embarked on a career in writing, adopting the pen name "Stendhal" after the German city of Stendal. His most well-known works include "The Red and the Black" and "The Charterhouse of Parma."

Stendhal's writing style was characterized by psychological insight and a keen examination of human emotions and motivations. He was particularly interested in exploring themes of love, ambition, and societal constraints. His works often delved into the complexities of personal relationships, portraying characters torn between their desires and the expectations of society.

Despite his literary talent, Stendhal did not achieve widespread recognition during his lifetime. It was not until several decades after his death on March 23, 1842, in Paris, France, that Stendhal's works gained the acclaim they deserved. Today, Stendhal is celebrated for his contribution to French literature and is considered one of the essential figures in the development of the novel as an art form.