Splendeurs and Miseries of Courtesans

Summary

The novel «Splendeurs and Miseries of Courtesans» by Honoré de Balzac continues the story of Lucien de Rubempré and his patron Vautrin, which began in previous works. Lucien, a young poet, seeks success and wealth in Parisian society but finds himself entangled in a world of intrigue and deceit. Vautrin, a former convict, assists Lucien by using his connections and manipulations. Lucien falls in love with the courtesan Esther Gobseck, but their relationship is complicated by the interference of Vautrin and other characters. Ultimately, Lucien becomes embroiled in a legal case that leads to his tragic demise. The novel explores themes of ambition, moral decline, and complex human relationships within the context of 19th-century French society.