The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

December 01, marks the new step in our literary exploration of the Zola heritage. This week we are discussing the first two chapters of the extremely political novel; this is the novel that Zola himself called historical fiction. Be ready to deal with machinations, intrigues, political haggling, and other unpleasantries of politics.

The first two chapters move us from the world of Plassans to the busy Parisian world of politics and professional survival.

The tone of this novel sharply contrasts with the first novel in the cycle. The former opens with the touching and erotic description of the romantic date of the two young lovers; the latter features the inauspicious opening scene of the political gathering that is permeated with the spirit of political failure, rumors, and speculations. The eponymous familiar figure of Eugene Rougon blesses the scene at the very end of the first chapter. His literary entrance into this literary novel is slightly sluggish and quite languid. Rougon ... "preserved the majestic mien of a sleeping bull."

The second chapter provides a more interesting insight into the life of the resigned politician, who used to chaperone his numerous acquaintances. After his political 'death' aka resignation, 'the crows' are all gathered in his office to clarify their future careers, downfalls or how far their political desires and economic ambitions have been promoted prior to M. Rougon's resignation.

Knowing Eugene from the previous novel, it is easy to assume that he will not easily give up on his political career; after all, it is clearly stated that he resigned to avoid even more dramatic dismissal.

Personally, I enjoyed the contrast between the political environment of this novel and the rustic, albeit sinister, atmosphere of Plassance. It is also interesting to see the world where the role of women is more appreciated and what Felicite (Eugene's mother) could have achieved if she had been introduced into the world of Parisian politics and intrigue. I am sure she would have thrived here:-)

I actually enjoyed Vizetelly's introduction. It is quite enlightening and helped me to shape my expectations. And of course, the names :-)But what's in a name? :-)

Dagny wrote: "I confess to having a difficult time wading through parts of Chapter One, but as soon as Chapter Two started and we flashed to Rougon's office, I was hooked"

Exactly my feelings!

Dagny wrote: "The public domain translation is by Ernest A Vizetelly (1897). I have the one by Alec Brown for Elek Books (1958). Here's a sample of the varying translations (from Chapter I)--they mean the same b..."

The French literally says "And these gentlemen came closer together, sinking into a risque conversation, with very crude words." The Vizetelly, even though it says "without mincing" doesn't give the same impression. Or maybe his audience knew that not mincing words meant talking about sex. The next sentences explain they were telling stories about the two Italian ladies who are called "adventuresses" but also have high connections.

I actually enjoyed the first chapter: atmospheric, well written. Giving an impression of a parliament in which gossip and sleep are the main preoccupations. Or: the state of democracy in the Second Empire. The next chapter zooms in on Eugène Rougon’s clientèle.

I was pondering why people accept (and often thrive in) such a situation. Fear, cynicism, conformism, or a genuine believe that it's all for the best?

À propos the translation: where the original specifies that Mme Bouchard is entertaining her third lover within her four years of marriage, the 1897 translation merely mentions that in those four years she had proved to be worse than a flirt.

Wendel wrote: "I was pondering why people accept (and often thrive in) such a situation. Fear, cynicism, conformism, or a genuine believe that it's all for the best? "

I think this is what Zola has in mind - try to show objectively what this world is made of, including indecency, conformity, licentiousness, treachery, and other things you mentioned in your post.

He appeals to our own sense of objectivity; his only task is to show, and ours is to draw conclusions. And it also means that he is appealing to the audience that can think critically and can justify choices. He refuses to tell us stories of sappy romances with happily-ever afters or spoonfeed his readers, but I think eventually this kind of fiction turns us into discernable readers and individuals.

P.S. Robin, thank you for your translation. Oh, now we all know how easy it is to be lost in translation :-)

I've just finished Chapters I and II (a little behind). The first chapter read as if I were watching a movie, as if a camera were panning in and out of different scenes. The second chapter read as if I were watching a play, enter stage right, exit stage left . . .

Concur, Daisy. The chapters are very different in tone and messages.

Daisy, I'm even further behind than you, I've only just finished chapter 2. But I'm liking it very much: the business of government and the people who engage in it have always fascinated me, and Zola writes so captivatingly...

He is quite captivating, and you will see more - he can change the tone, the mood, and the perspective seamlessly.

Lisa wrote: "I'm even further behind than you, I've only just finished chapter 2."

Well, I sort of caught up and even got ahead of myself. The more I read the more I became, as you mention, fascinated by the people and also a little mesmorized by what, you Zulfiya, write:

"He can change the tone, the mood, and the perspective seamlessly."

Zola's style pushed and carried me along like an ocean wave.

While I was reading, the characters in this book sometimes reminded me of the characters in Dangerous Liaisons by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

It will be interesting to read your comments, and everyone's comments when we all get to the end.

Daisy wrote: "Lisa wrote: "I'm even further behind than you, I've only just finished chapter 2."

Well, I sort of caught up and even got ahead of myself. The more I read the more I became, as you mention, fascin..."

I'll read more tomorrow, unfortunately I have to read it on The Hated Kindle and that puts me off, a bit.