The Two Brothers

"The Two Brothers" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel set in early 19th century France that shows the difficult bonds between family members, how society works, and tough choices about right and wrong. The book starts by introducing the Rouget family, especially Doctor Rouget, who is seen as mean, and his sad wife. The story looks at how fathers control their families and what people expect of each other, suggesting that choices have consequences. As the story continues, we learn about their son, Jean-Jacques, which changes how the family acts and what wealth means, especially as it affects people's morals during political changes. This beginning creates a strong base for stories about characters that mix personal stories with criticisms of society.