Père Goriot

Definition

Père Goriot is a novel by Honoré de Balzac, published in 1835, which serves as a foundational work in the literary movement of French Realism. The story revolves around the life of Eugène de Rastignac, a young law student who navigates the complexities of Parisian society while intertwined with the tragic figure of Père Goriot, a retired vermicelli maker who sacrifices everything for his daughters. This novel is significant for its realistic portrayal of social dynamics and class struggles in 19th century France.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Père Goriot explores themes of sacrifice, ambition, and the often harsh realities of societal expectations through the lens of its characters' interactions.
2. The character of Père Goriot is emblematic of the sacrifices made by parents for their children and highlights the contrasting values of familial loyalty versus societal ambition.
3. The novel is set in a boarding house in Paris, which serves as a microcosm of society, showcasing the interactions between various social classes.
4. Eugène de Rastignac's journey reflects the struggle for upward mobility in a rapidly changing Paris, illustrating both the allure and the pitfalls of social climbing.
5. Père Goriot is considered one of Balzac's most important works, establishing many narrative techniques and character archetypes that would influence future writers in the Realist tradition.

Review Questions

• How does Balzac use the character of Père Goriot to reflect societal values and tensions within 19th century Paris?
  • Balzac uses Père Goriot to illustrate the profound sacrifices that individuals make for family against the backdrop of a competitive and often ruthless Parisian society. Goriot’s willingness to spend all his wealth on his daughters demonstrates the depth of parental love but also exposes the futility and exploitation he faces from them. This conflict highlights societal tensions between personal sacrifice and societal ambition, making Goriot a tragic figure in a world that values wealth and status over genuine human connections.
• Discuss how Eugène de Rastignac's character development throughout Père Goriot embodies themes of ambition and moral compromise.
  • Eugène de Rastignac starts as an idealistic young man who dreams of success in Paris but soon realizes that ambition often requires moral compromise. As he interacts with characters like Père Goriot and witnesses the lengths to which people will go for wealth and status, he becomes increasingly entangled in the corrupt world around him. His choices reflect the struggle between his values and his desires, encapsulating the harsh realities faced by those seeking social mobility in a society that prioritizes wealth over integrity.
• Analyze how Père Goriot contributes to our understanding of French Realism and its commentary on social structure during Balzac's time.
  • Père Goriot is pivotal to understanding French Realism as it vividly portrays the complexities of social structure and class dynamics in 19th century France. Through detailed character studies and realistic settings, Balzac critiques societal norms that prioritize wealth accumulation over personal relationships. The novel challenges readers to consider the implications of social climbing and familial sacrifice within a context marked by economic disparities. By capturing these themes with unflinching realism, Balzac lays groundwork for future literary exploration of similar issues across diverse narratives.

Related terms

Balzac: Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright known for his extensive series of novels and stories collectively titled 'La Comédie Humaine,' which explores society in post-Napoleonic France.

Social Climbing: A term that refers to the process by which individuals attempt to improve their social status, often depicted in literature as characters navigate societal expectations and class distinctions.

Realism:

A literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, characterized by a focus on depicting everyday life and society with fidelity, often addressing issues of class, social conditions, and moral dilemmas.