Overview

First published in 1871, The Fortune of the Rougons (La Fortune des Rougon) is the powerful opening novel of Émile Zola's epic Rougon-Macquart series. This ambitious 20-novel cycle explores the lives of a sprawling family during France's Second Empire, delving into themes of heredity, ambition, and societal change. In The Fortune of the Rougons, Zola lays the foundation for his grand literary project, introducing readers to the tangled roots of the Rougon-Macquart family tree and setting the stage for the stories to come. Set in the fictional Provençal town of Plassans, the novel captures a moment of political and social upheaval: the coup d'état of December 1851, which brought Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte to power. Against this backdrop, Zola tells the parallel stories of Pierre Rougon and his wife, Félicité, as they scheme to secure their position among the bourgeois elite, and of their romantic, idealistic relatives, Silvère and Miette, who become entangled in the revolutionary fervor of the time. At its heart, The Fortune of the Rougons is a tale of ambition and betrayal, love and disillusionment. Zola examines the ruthless drive for power embodied by Pierre and Félicité, contrasting it with the youthful passion and tragic fate of Silvère and Miette. Through these intertwined narratives, Zola explores the dynamics of family, the clash between tradition and progress, and the ways in which personal ambitions intersect with larger historical forces. Zola's naturalist style shines in this novel, combining meticulous attention to detail with incisive social commentary. His vivid descriptions of Plassans and its inhabitants immerse readers in a world shaped by greed, hypocrisy, and the relentless pursuit of fortune. Yet amid the cynicism, Zola also finds moments of tenderness and beauty, particularly in the doomed love of Silvère and Miette, whose idealism stands in stark contrast to the self-serving machinations of their elders. For readers new to the Rougon-Macquart series, The Fortune of the Rougons serves as a gateway to Zola's richly constructed universe, introducing the themes and characters that will resonate throughout the cycle. For seasoned readers, it offers a fascinating look at the origins of a family whose fortunes and failures will mirror the triumphs and tragedies of 19th-century France. To read The Fortune of the Rougons is to embark on an epic journey through Zola's vision of a society in flux-a journey that begins with a gripping tale of ambition, love, and the relentless forces of history. This novel not only lays the groundwork for the Rougon-Macquart series but also stands on its own as a compelling exploration of the human condition.

Full Product Details

9798303867161

Table of Contents

Reviews

Author Information

Tab Content 6

Countries Available