Owing to his keen observation of detail and unfiltered representation of society, Balzac is regarded as one of the founders of realism in European literature. Inanimate objects are imbued with character as well; the city of Paris, a backdrop for much of his writing, takes on many human qualities.
Many of Balzac's works have been made into films and continue to inspire other writers. James called him "really the father of us all. An enthusiastic reader and independent thinker as a child, Balzac had trouble adapting to the teaching style of his grammar school. His willful nature caused trouble throughout his life and frustrated his ambitions to succeed in the world of business. When he finished school, Balzac was apprenticed in a law office , but he turned his back on the study of law after wearying of its inhumanity and banal routine.
Before and during his career as a writer, he attempted to be a publisher, printer, businessman, critic, and politician; he failed in all of these efforts. Balzac suffered from health problems throughout his life, possibly owing to his intense writing schedule. His relationship with his family was often strained by financial and personal drama, and he lost more than one friend over critical reviews.
He died in Paris six months later. In he set off for Paris with only a Louis coin in his pocket, intent on improving his social standing ; by he had become Secretary to the King's Council and a Freemason.
He had also changed his name to the more noble sounding Balzac, his son later adding—without official recognition—the nobiliary particle de. She was not in love with her husband". As an infant Balzac was sent to a wet nurse ; the following year he was joined by his sister Laure and they spent four years away from home. When the Balzac children returned home, they were kept at a frosty distance from their parents, which affected the author-to-be significantly.
