Father Goriot

Set in early 19th-century Paris, the narrative delves into themes of love, wealth, and social status through the life of Father Goriot, an elderly widower who sacrifices his fortune for his ungrateful daughters. As they indulge in luxury, young law student Eugene de Rastignac becomes entangled in their world, particularly drawn to Delphine, who is trapped in a loveless marriage. The stark contrast between middle-class struggles and the opulence of the elite highlights the greed and corruption inherent in the pursuit of social prestige, culminating in a poignant reflection on ambition and human nature.