# Social Class and Appearance in Modeste Mignon

> Theme guide for Modeste Mignon by Honoré de Balzac.

Balzac contrasts the pretensions of provincial society, such as Madame Latournelle's attempts at aristocratic airs, with the realities of class, wealth, and physical appearance, as exemplified by the detailed descriptions of characters like the hunchback clerk Butscha.

## Where it surfaces

- [Modeste Mignon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/chapters/modeste-mignon): The Duc d'Hérouville's noble titles and wealth are contrasted with Modeste's perceived fortune.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/themes/social_class_and_appearance
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/modeste_mignon_se/themes