Father Goriot by Honoré de Balzac
- 1. Father Goriot, a novel by Honoré de Balzac, is a poignant exploration of sacrifice, ambition, and the harsh realities of Parisian society during the early 19th century. Set in a shabby boarding house, the story revolves around the lives of several residents, but primarily focuses on the unfortunate and selfless figure of Goriot, an elderly father who has devoted his entire life and wealth to his two beautiful daughters, Anastasie and Delphine. Despite his unwavering love and the substantial sacrifices he makes for their well-being and social status, Goriot's daughters ultimately abandon him, illustrating the devastating consequences of misguided parental devotion and the corrupting nature of wealth and societal ambition. The novel intricately weaves themes of class struggle and moral complexity, as young Eugène de Rastignac, a law student who becomes entangled in their lives, grapples with his own aspirations in the competitive world of Parisian high society. Through vivid characterizations and a rich narrative, Balzac not only critiques the superficial values of society but also delves deep into the emotional landscapes of family loyalty, societal pressure, and the relentless pursuit of success, making Father Goriot a cornerstone of Balzac's larger work, La Comédie Humaine.
Which city serves as the setting for 'Father Goriot'?
A) Rome
B) Paris
C) London
D) Madrid
- 2. What is Father Goriot's main desire throughout the novel?
A) To find love
B) To become wealthy
C) To provide for his daughters
D) To seek revenge
- 3. Which character is a mysterious ex-convict and manipulative schemer?
A) Père la Chantefleurie
B) Vautrin
C) Goriot
D) Rastignac
- 4. What is the fate of Vautrin by the end of the novel?
A) He escapes.
B) He becomes rich.
C) He is arrested.
D) He dies.
- 5. Who provides a key to Rastignac's social advancement?
A) His family
B) Vautrin
C) Goriot
D) Madame de Beauséant
- 6. How is Paris depicted in the novel?
A) As a utopia
B) As a peaceful haven
C) As a place of ambition and despair
D) As an isolated village
- 7. What is the relationship between Goriot and his daughters?
A) He neglects them.
B) He wants to control their lives.
C) He resents them.
D) He sacrifices everything for them.
- 8. Which theme is prominent in 'Father Goriot'?
A) War and peace
B) Nature vs. nurture
C) The supernatural
D) Social climbing and ambition
|