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Carmen, a captivating novella by Prosper Mérimée, stands as his most renowned work. Set in 19th-century Spain, the story follows the tragic love affair between Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman, and Don José, a naïve soldier. Mérimée's vivid prose and exploration of themes such as passion, betrayal, and the clash between cultures have made Carmen an enduring classic, inspiring numerous adaptations in opera, film, and literature.