The Recruit

"The Recruit" by Honoré de Balzac is a story happening in France during the French Revolution, focusing on the power of a mother's love, great sacrifice, and tricky social situations during a time of big political changes. Balzac, who is known for his detailed descriptions of people and how they fit into society, tells a story about people struggling in a dangerous world where loyalties change quickly. The story centers on Madame de Dey, a woman whose biggest worry is for her son, Comte de Dey, a soldier who left the country. People are talking about her and wondering if she might be a traitor, as she waits for her son to come home after getting captured. Things get more intense as she throws a party, trying to act normal while hiding her worries. Then, a new soldier appears, named Julien Jussieu, who looks a lot like her son, causing strong feelings and making things more dangerous because the local public prosecutor starts to suspect something is up. Sadly, Madame de Dey's son dies, showing how strong the bond is between a mother and her child.