The Ball at Sceaux

"The Ball at Sceaux" by Honoré de Balzac is a story that takes place in France after the revolution, telling about the Comte de Fontaine, his daughter Emilie's goals, and the complex social lives of the rich as they deal with love, getting married, and society. The story begins with the nobleman Comte de Fontaine, who moves his family to Paris to find better chances for his children after going through political issues and the revolution. He faces changing politics and really wants his three daughters to marry well. At the beginning, the story shows the difference between the Count's serious beliefs and his daughter's dislike, as Emilie struggles with what's expected of her because she was born into nobility, and her feelings for Maximilien Longueville, who is both mysterious and attractive. The story looks at class, wanting to move up in the world, and chasing after love in a broken society, which sets the stage for the exciting events to come.