3 Review(s)

"Bureaucracy" was published in 1841 and is one of the shorter works in "La Comédie Humaine." The story revolves around the lives and intrigues of government employees, particularly those working in the offices of the Ministry of State, and it provides a satirical portrayal of the bureaucratic world in post-revolutionary France.The central character in the novella is Isidore Baudoyer, an inept but ambitious government clerk who rises through the ranks of the bureaucracy. The story explores the complex web of office politics, rivalries, and scheming that takes place within the bureaucratic system. Balzac's keen observations and satirical wit are on full display as he dissects the personalities and behaviors of the various characters who inhabit this world.Through the character of Baudoyer and his colleagues, Balzac highlights the absurdity, inefficiency, and corruption that can be inherent in bureaucratic institutions. He also offers a commentary on the social climbing and ambition that can drive individuals within such systems."Bureaucracy" is a biting satire that provides readers with a humorous and critical look at the world of government administration in 19th-century France. Balzac's portrayal of the inner workings of the bureaucracy and the characters who populate it reflects his broader examination of the complexities and foibles of human nature within the context of French society during his time.