The novel takes place during the Bourbon Restoration, which brought profound changes to French society; the struggle by individuals to secure a higher social status is a major theme in the book. The city of Paris also impresses itself on the characters – especially young Rastignac, who grew up in the provinces of southern France. Balzac analyses, through Goriot and others, the nature of family and marriage, providing a pessimistic view of these institutions. (Wikipedia)