Parental Love and Societal Ambition in "Pere Goriot" by Honore de Balczak

Through the course of history, society and human nature have had its difficulties examined through the use of literature. The behavior of parents as it relates to the raising and providing for societies children has always evolved around the societal norms, values and customs. I am sure that most would agree that raising children is somewhat of a cruel experiment. Parents ultimately attempt to make choices based upon morality and society's values for the best …

…in societies unwritten laws and dynamics. In this psychological and social process, Eugene falls in love with Goriots daughter despite her shortcomings and develops a positive relationship with her father. The second moment of despair is when Goriot dies and he ends up paying to bury his new friend whom refers to him as a son during the novel: It was to be a pauper's funeral: without ceremony, or mourners, or friends, or family. (p. 273)