Father Goriot

The story centers on a group of boarders living in a Parisian boardinghouse. The exterior of the boardinghouse appears aged yet respectable but inside; it is old and shabby. The social standing of each residence can be determined by their rent, which is determined in turn by the floor they reside on; the lower the floor the higher the rent.

While, old Goriot slowly ascends the staircase to poverty, in an attempt to buy love, another boarder, young M. Rastignac attempts to ascend into upper society by romancing wealthy young ladies.

So, while old Goriot spends his money trying to buy love, young Rastignac uses love to acquire money and a another boarder the depraved M. Vautrin freely admits his willingness to kill for money.

But, Goriot’s unselfish love makes young Rastignac reconsider his immoral behavior which upsets M. Vautrin plans, and unhappily as a result, nobody is happy.

So, in the end, young Rastignac finds; love cannot be bought, villains may be honorable and society which may appear honorable on the outside can be deceitful and shabby on the inside - which is where we started.

A kindly old man, a troubled young man and a cunning villain combine to make a great novel.