Volupté

novel by Sainte-Beuve

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July 15, 2026

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Volupté is a novel by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve, published in 1834. The novel is an intensely introspective work that explores themes of frustration, guilt, and religious striving. The protagonist, Amaury, experiences a hopeless love for the saintly Madame de Couaën, which reflects Sainte-Beuve's own unrequited passion for Adèle Hugo. The narrative delves into Amaury's internal struggles, his pursuit of spiritual ideals, and his eventual renunciation of worldly desires. The publication of Volupté caused a rift in Sainte-Beuve's friendship with Victor Hugo.1

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Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve
Early critical and historical writings
…publication of Sainte-Beuve’s autobiographical novel Volupté in 1834. In this book the hero Amaury’s hopeless love for the saintly and unapproachable Madame de Couaën reflects its author’s passion for Adèle Hugo. Volupté is an intensely introspective and troubling study of Amaury’s frustration, guilt, religious striving, and final renunciation of the…
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…publication of Sainte-Beuve’s autobiographical novel Volupté in 1834. In this book the hero Amaury’s hopeless love for the saintly and unapproachable Madame de Couaën reflects its author’s passion for Adèle Hugo. Volupté is an intensely introspective and troubling study of Amaury’s frustration, guilt, religious striving, and final renunciation of the…
Read More