The Celibates · Question
How does The Celibates develop the theme of Greed and Covetousness?
Answer
The Celibates by Honoré de Balzac develops Greed and Covetousness across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Material desires and envy drive much of the plot, from Birotteau's obsessive longing for Chapeloud's rooms to the financial scheming over inheritances, illustrating how greed corrupts moral principles and personal relationships.
Birotteau's intense desire for Chapeloud's rooms drives the plot and leads to his conflict with Troubert.
The conflict is driven by covetousness for property and status, as seen in Troubert's inheritance of Gamard's fortune and the dispute over Chapeloud's portrait.
Madame Descoings' obsession with the lottery and Philippe's early greed for money highlight the theme of covetousness.
Evidence in the book
- Story II: The Vicar of Tours
Birotteau's intense desire for Chapeloud's rooms drives the plot and leads to his conflict with Troubert.
- The Vicar of Tours
The conflict is driven by covetousness for property and status, as seen in Troubert's inheritance of Gamard's fortune and the dispute over Chapeloud's portrait.
- A Bachelor’s Establishment
Madame Descoings' obsession with the lottery and Philippe's early greed for money highlight the theme of covetousness.
- Dedication
The dedication warns against a society based on money and unbridled self-interest, which condones every means to achieve success.
- A Bachelor's Establishment
Philippe schemes to inherit his uncle's fortune and marry into nobility, while Madame Descoings' gambling debts ruin Agathe.
