Mademoiselle de Maupin, Volume 2 (of 2)

"Mademoiselle de Maupin, Volume 2" by Théophile Gautier is a novel that examines love, identity, and beauty by closely following Madelaine de Maupin, who goes on a journey of self exploration. Disguised as a man named Théodore, she grapples with what society expects while also dealing with her own strong affections for a young man, creating a struggle within her. Early in the volume, Madelaine considers her intense love for Théodore, coming to terms with emotions that seem to be more than friendship. Through deep thought, she shows how much she admires Théodore's beauty, but also how she feels trapped by what society thinks about love. While lost in her emotions, she accepts that she is a woman and feels restricted by social norms, which makes her want to change her life by living as a man. The beginning catches readers with its poetic writing and thoughtful questions about passion and self-discovery.