Read a passage from Balzac's Père GoriotThis passage from the novel Père Goriot by Honorè de Balzac describes the ultimatum that Rastignac gives himself after experiencing a harsh transition from luxury to dirt, as he sees it. Before Rastignac enters his balmy lodgings, he has a life-changing discussion with Madame de Beausèant. They discussed the price he would have to pay to be accepted into Parisian high society. The contrast he experiences ultimately fuels his greed and reckless behavior. This pushes him further towards his mission to make his fortune. In a close reading of this passage the narrator takes turns telling Rastignac's point of view and his own. The adjectives used to describe Rastignac's actions and thoughts increase the sense of urgency he feels. The stark contrast between the elegant and the common is made more prevalent in Rastignac's eyes. Although the narrator is describing what Rastignac is thinking and feeling, his disapproval and mocking contradictions emerge. The narrator exclaims that Rastignac “was still nothing but a child!” If Rastignac realized for a moment that he was inexperienced and naive, his character would change completely. But it was only the narrator who pointed out how young he is. The narrator implies that with youth comes ambition-stupidity (sentence 7). The narrator completely belittles Rastignac's dual goal. Rastignac has the "dream" of becoming a cultured man and a man of fortune. According to the narrator, these are two "trenches", "asymmetrical lines, which can never meet". The narrator's use of language implies that Rastingac is an unprepared young man who cannot do both (sentences 6, 8). When the narrator describes Madame's influence on Rastingac...... middle of paper ......ves con (sentence 1). Instead, he takes the initiative to learn from his cousin and become part of the desirable “social relationship” she described to him (sentence 4). For Rastingac he will have nothing but “scars” to show for his hard work if he follows the conventional path (sentence 4). The “contrast was too absolute” his two worlds became black and white. He wants to belong and rule both. He believes he has the drive and ambition to achieve this goal. This passage is a breaking point for Rastingac, he can no longer accept the prospect of a hard life. He wants more. His decision here carries over into the rest of the novel as the basis for his actions. Rastignac undertakes a dangerous undertaking to bring these two worlds together. Urgency and desperation ultimately win her heart. He chooses the simplest way, the noblest way out of his circumstances.