Black, to Balzac Crossword Clue

Today's (7 February 2021) crossword provided to us by Newsday.com and the clue is "Black, to Balzac".
The right answer or rather the best answer listed below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

The clue "Black, to Balzac" is asking for a word that means "black" in relation to the author Honoré de Balzac. The answer to this clue is "NOIR".

Here's why this clue has this answer:

1. Definition: The word "noir" in French means "black". Honoré de Balzac, being a French author, would likely refer to the color "black" in the French language.
2. Author's Background: Honoré de Balzac is known for his works in the genre of "realism". One prominent subgenre of realism is "film noir," which refers to a style of crime films characterized by their dark and pessimistic tone. The term "noir" is often associated with this style and suggests a connection between Balzac and the color "black".
3. Literary References: Throughout Balzac's works, the color black is often used symbolically to represent various aspects. For example, in the novel "Eugénie Grandet", the color black is associated with sorrow and death. This reinforces the connection between Balzac and the word "noir".
4. Cultural Context: Balzac's works have had a significant influence on French literature and culture. The term "noir" has become widely associated with various art forms, including literature, films, and even music. By including this clue, the crossword puzzle aims to test the player's knowledge of both French language and literary culture.

In conclusion, the clue "Black, to Balzac" with the answer "NOIR" is a clever way of referring to the color black in relation to the French author Honoré de Balzac. It highlights the linguistic and cultural aspects of crossword solving and encourages players to draw upon their knowledge of literature.

Definition of "NOIR"

a genre of crime film or fiction characterized by cynicism, fatalism, and moral ambiguity

Example :

his film proved that a Brit could do noir as darkly as any American

he says he's making a noir

 The Crossword clue "Black, to Balzac" published 3 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
Newsday.com	7 February 2021	NOIR
L.A. Times Daily	15 January 2012	NOIR