Showing results for "Father Goriot" in Arts & Entertainment

Delve into one of Balzacs most celebrated novels, set against the backdrop of 1815, a time marked by the resurgence of the Bourbon monarchy following Napoleons defeat. This poignant tale, which inspired literary giants like Charles Dickens and Henry James, masterfully captures the intricacies of human relationships and the stark realities of society. Explore the shifting social dynamics and moral landscapes of the era as Balzac offers a powerful commentary on ambition, sacrifice, and the bonds of family. (Summary by JCarson)

Father Goriot (Le Père Goriot), published in 1835, is widely considered to be Balzac's finest and most popular novel. It is set in Paris in 1819, after Napoleon's defeat and the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy. France was undergoing massive social upheaval, as the new bourgeoisie jockeyed for position alongside the old aristocracy. Against this backdrop, we follow the lives of Goriot, an old man who irrationally dotes on his daughters; Vautrin, a shadowy criminal mastermind; and Rastignac, a young man from the provinces who studies how to navigate the complexities and climb the ladder of ...