Two Poets

"Two Poets" by Honoré de Balzac is a story that begins in the 1800s, and kicks off a series of stories about Lucien Chardon, his sibling Eve, and their close friend David, all living in Angouleme. The story shows what they wished for in life, and struggles they faced because of money and society, especially in the world of books and writers. The tale starts with Jerome-Nicolas Sechard, a pressman comes into a small printing business. The story tells all about this greedy man who didn't have much schooling. He is getting ready to give his business to his son, David, who is smart and educated, setting up problems about family, goals, and wanting to be recognized for art. At the same time, we learn about Lucien Chardon, a young poet who dreams about being famous and fights against what society expects of him, giving hints about the different futures that await them.