Père Goriot by Honoré de Balzac, is a compelling and interesting book. Honoré de Balzac creates an insightful look into partisan society. The book manages to illustrate both the cruelty and the hope that exist within its pages. I interpreted it to be a coming of age story. Eugéne de Rastignac begins the story as a hopeful young student with an optimistic outlook into society. By the end of the book the innocence that once covered his eyes is gone