Утраченные иллюзии (Бальзак. Собрание сочинений в десяти томах. Том 4)

His detailed descriptions and social nuances made me wonder how much of the city’s culture and politics he experienced firsthand or researched thoroughly.

The way their ambitions drive them forward but also lead to their downfall made me reflect on how similar pursuits play out today.

Balzac’s layered portrayal creates a vivid tapestry of society, but I wonder if he aimed to critique the entire social system or simply depict its realities.