15powpow

Is there anything more corrupting to a young man than the allure of success? We smell it and instantly see red. The air becomes dense with its taste and in a moment it blackens the purest heart. "Pere Goriot" is described as the prototypical novel. It established the structure and integrity of the artform, and for that I appreciate Balzac's story. Unfortunately, its coldness makes "Pere Goriot" unapproachable. We see flowering youth and decaying age in the same planter, but neither provides a connection or glimpse of humanity. Instead, Balzac forces irony in the connection that evokes pity, not empathy. For a story with only villians and victims, I am glad that "Pere Goriot" presents itself as a prototype, giving modern writers much room to evolve. It's still worth a read though, because Grant fucking loves it so much.

2022-11-14 16:32