Père Goriot, a poignant novel written by Honoré de Balzac, reaches its conclusion with a sense of sadness and resignation. The ending highlights the themes of abandonment, social isolation, and the emptiness of worldly pursuits. As a sommelier and brewer, I cannot help but draw parallels between the ending of this novel and the experience of savoring a fine wine or craft beer. Both evoke emotions, provoke contemplation, and leave a lasting impression.
In the final chapters, we witness the absence of Delphine, one of Goriot's daughters, who fails to come to her father's side during his last moments. This absence speaks volumes about the lack of filial love and the indifference that permeates the relationships in the novel. As a sommelier, I have encountered wines that evoke a similar feeling of absence, where the flavors are muted, lacking depth, and fail to leave a lasting impression on the palate. Just as Delphine's absence is keenly felt, these wines leave a sense of disappointment and missed opportunity.
Anastasie, Goriot's other daughter, arrives only after he has fallen into a coma. Her belated presence serves as a stark reminder of the superficiality and self-centeredness of the characters in the novel. This lack of genuine connection and empathy is reminiscent of wines that are crafted solely for commercial purposes, lacking soul and authenticity. These wines may have the appearance of quality, with flashy labels and elaborate marketing campaigns, but they ultimately fail to deliver a memorable experience.
The funeral scene in the novel is a stark portrayal of Goriot's social isolation and the emptiness of his life. Only a few people attend the funeral, including Rastignac, a servant, and two paid mourners. The absence of Goriot's daughters is again felt, as they only send their coaches adorned with their family crests. This lack of genuine mourning and the presence of paid mourners is analogous to the artificiality often encountered in the wine industry. Some wines are crafted purely for profit, with little regard for the artistry and passion that should be at the heart of winemaking. Just as the funeral scene reflects a society that values appearances over substance, these wines lack depth and fail to evoke a genuine emotional response.
After the funeral, as the lights of Paris begin to appear, there is a sense of life moving on, indifferent to Goriot's passing. This portrayal of the bustling city serves as a stark contrast to the loneliness and isolation experienced by Goriot. As a sommelier, I have often found solace in the bustling atmosphere of a busy wine bar or brewery. The vibrant energy and sense of community can be uplifting, reminding us that life continues even in the face of sorrow.
The ending of Père Goriot is a poignant portrayal of abandonment, social isolation, and the emptiness of worldly pursuits. As a sommelier and brewer, I see parallels between the ending of the novel and the experiences I have had with wines and craft beers. Just as Goriot's daughters fail to show genuine love and empathy, there are wines that lack depth and fail to leave a lasting impression. Similarly, the funeral scene reflects the artificiality and lack of substance often encountered in the wine industry. Yet, amidst the loneliness and emptiness, there is a reminder that life continues, much like the bustling lights of Paris.