How does Lucien Leuwen portray French society during the reign of Louis-Philippe?

In his posthumously published novel Lucien Leuwen, Stendhal provides a biting assessment of French society and politics during the reign of Louis-Philippe.1

The novel serves as a critical examination of the era, utilizing the protagonist's career in government service to explore the social landscape of the time. A central element of this critique is the depiction of a fundamental father-son conflict, which Stendhal uses to mirror the clashing ethos of two distinct historical periods. Through this narrative, the work offers profound psychological and social analysis, capturing the tensions and atmosphere of the July Monarchy. Despite being left unfinished, the novel is considered one of Stendhal's finest works, noted for its incisive portrayal of the political and societal realities of 19th-century France.21