The Historical Literature of Nicolae Filimon and the Reconciliation of Realism with the Tradition of the Popular Novel

This paper explores the historical prose of Nicolae Filimon, emphasizing the reconciliation of realism with the tradition of the popular novel. It examines how Filimon’s work reflects the evolving Romanian literary landscape, asserting that while he embodies Balzacian realism, he also addresses socio-political issues through a satirical lens. The analysis highlights the tensions between narrative techniques and the superficiality of character portrayals, revealing a dual legacy of moral critique and social commentary. Ultimately, the study positions Filimon within the broader context of 19^th-century Romanian literature, illustrating the genre’s role in shaping cultural modernity and audience engagement.

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