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Father Goriot · Question
How does Father Goriot develop the theme of Corruption and Morality?
Answer
Father Goriot by Honoré de Balzac develops Corruption and Morality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The narrative contrasts the moral decay of characters like Vautrin, who advocates ruthless pragmatism, with the idealism of Rastignac, showing how society corrupts individuals in pursuit of wealth and status.
Vautrin's speech exposes the moral decay of Paris, where theft and virtue are judged by wealth, and Goriot's sacrifice is contrasted with Rastignac's remorse.
Evidence in the book
- Father Goriot
Vautrin's speech exposes the moral decay of Paris, where theft and virtue are judged by wealth, and Goriot's sacrifice is contrasted with Rastignac's remorse.