Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau

"Rise and Fall of Cesar Birotteau" by Honoré de Balzac is a story about a perfumer, Cesar Birotteau, in Paris during the early 1800s who dreams of climbing the social ladder, full of big dreams and a recent honor that fuels him to throw an extravagant ball. The novel starts with his wife's bad dream and fearful thoughts that he has left her until she finds him amusingly measuring the air, after which, they discuss his bold plan to host a lavish party to improve their reputation and business, showing the mix of worries and high hopes tied to their ambition. What is revealed is the complex relationship that Cesar has with his wife and the pressure he feels from society as he tries to gain a higher and elevated position.