Madame de Lafayette, born in 1634, was a French novelist known for her influential works in the 17th century. She is best known for her novel La Princesse de Clèves, which is considered one of the first psychological novels in Western literature. The story explores themes of love, duty, and personal conflict within the context of the French court. As a prominent figure in the French court, Madame de Lafayette was also involved in the literary salons of her time, where intellectuals gathered to discuss ideas. Her writings contributed to the development of the modern novel and provided insights into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.