La Rabouilleuse (La Comédie humaine: Scènes de la vie de province)

Balzac's detailed depiction of social hierarchy feels so vivid — I'm curious how much of that was based on real observations versus literary invention.

The characters often make questionable decisions, yet their motivations felt so real — what did others think about their sense of right and wrong?

The detailed backdrop really immerses the reader, but I wonder if Balzac drew from personal experience or extensive research to craft this world.