Clélie
Clélie is a historical novel written by French author Madeleine de Scudéry, first published in 1654 and 1660. It is considered a prime example of the préciosité literary movement that flourished in 17th-century France. The novel is an expansive romance set in ancient Rome, though it is heavily allegorical, thinly veiling contemporary Parisian society and its prominent figures.
The plot centers on the love affairs and intrigues of Clélie, a Roman noblewoman, and her many
A significant feature of Clélie is the inclusion of the famous "Carte de tendre," a metaphorical map
Clélie was immensely popular in its time, enjoyed by a wide readership, particularly among aristocratic women.