"Szép Mikhál: Regény" by Mór Jókai is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. The story is set in the tumultuous landscape of Hungary during the mid-17th century, focusing on the intricate life of a young woman, Mikhál, raised by her scholarly father, Frölich Dávid, in a strict and protective environment. The narrative explores themes of duty, love, and individuality as Mikhál navigates societal expectations while harboring a secret affection
for a fellow student. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the context of Mikhál’s life and her father's deep commitment to her education, which he undertakes without any feminine influence after the death of her mother. The narrative sets the stage for Mikhál’s development into a knowledgeable and capable young woman who, under her father’s tutelage, is knowledgeable in subjects deemed critical for a woman of her time. As Mikhál matures, she finds herself torn between her father's expectations and her burgeoning feelings for Kaczenreiter Henrik, a fellow student, ultimately leading to critical decisions that will shape her future amidst the confines of societal norms. The opening chapters hint at the complexities of her character and foreshadow the challenges she will face in seeking autonomy and love. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
