Cousin Pons

Set in 19th-century Paris, this novella follows Sylvain Pons, a struggling musician, and his deep friendship with fellow musician Wilhelm Schmucke. As one of the last works in Balzac's Comédie humaine, it explores themes of poverty and familial ties through the lens of Pons' life as a poor relation. Originally conceived as part of a diptych with La Cousine Bette, the narrative delves into the complexities of social relationships and the impact of societal status on personal connections.