Wealth as the Common Thread
... However, the common thread in both classes in determining the true elite from the lower echelon is wealth. Wealth establishes a connection between the Bourgeoisie and the Aristocracy, and is the most important object necessary to gain acceptance in the elite society. Goriot represents the brutal treatment of the Aristocracy toward the Bourgeoisie while the daughters of Goriot and Eugene de Rastignac reflect the power of wealth through their ascension to socially elite status. ... This is proven to be only for the large dowry he gave his daughters and his individual wealth. ... Following the loss of his wealth, nearly everyone ceases to care for him, and even on his death bed the two husbands show no compassion or sympathy for Goriot, which is a reflection of their sentiment toward the Bourgeoisie class.