The Poor Plutocrats

by Mór Jókai

"The Poor Plutocrats" by Mór Jókai is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The tale unfolds within the context of a wealthy yet dysfunctional family, the Lapussas, examining themes of wealth, avarice, and the complexities of familial relationships. The story focuses on the interactions among the family members, particularly the old patriarch Demetrius Lapussa and his granddaughters, Henrietta and Koloman, highlighting the dynamics of power, love, and resentment that permeate their lives. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the Lapussa family, emphasizing their ennui and the oppressive presence of the elderly patriarch, Demetrius. He revels in his ability to nag and manipulate the members of his household, who appear to endure his tyrannical demeanor in silence. We meet various key characters, including the delicate Henrietta, who is haunted by her past and her family’s expectations. Amidst discussions of wealth and inheritance, tensions build as Henrietta's health declines, hinting at deeper issues related to her family's financial battles and her strained relationships with her relatives. Dueling incentives arise as family members navigate love, societal pressures, and their intertwined fates, setting the stage for the unfolding drama.