Father Goriot

Summary

The novel «Father Goriot» by Honoré de Balzac tells the story of life in early 19th-century Paris, focusing on the fate of several characters living in Madame Vauquer's boarding house. The main character, the elderly Goriot, was once a successful merchant but became destitute after giving all his money to his two daughters, who now neglect him. A young student, Eugène de Rastignac, also living in the boarding house, aspires to climb the social ladder and witnesses Goriot's tragedy. He observes the old man's suffering due to his daughters' indifference and realizes the cruelty and selfishness of high society. Ultimately, Goriot dies alone, and Rastignac resolves to fight for his place in the world, despite its injustice and harshness.