Abbé Mouret's Transgression

Name: Abbé Mouret's Transgression
Author: Émile Zola

The novel revolves around Serge Panine, a young priest who becomes infatuated with a woman named Albine and begins an affair with her. As their relationship deepens, Serge's faith and morals are challenged, leading to a crisis of conscience. Meanwhile, the abbey where Serge serves is plagued by corruption and moral decay among its clergy. The novel explores themes of spirituality, morality, and the struggle between desire and duty.

By Émile Zola · First published 1875 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Naturalism, Religious Fiction · 50 chapters · 149,117 words

First lines

As La Teuse entered the church she rested her broom and feather-brush against the altar. She was late, as she had that day began her half-yearly wash. Limping more than ever in her haste and hustling the benches, she went down the church to ring the _Angelus_. The bare, worn bell-rope dangled from the ceiling near the confessional, and ended in a big knot greasy from handling. Again and again, with regular jumps, she hung herself upon it; and then let her whole bulky figure go with it, whirling in her petticoats, her cap awry, and her blood rushing to her broad face.

What this Textopian page supports

Abbé Mouret's Transgression is listed on Textopian as a novel by Émile Zola, dated 1875 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Émile Zola
Date: 1875 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Naturalism, Religious Fiction, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
Length: 149,117 words
Structure: 50 chapters, 2,085 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The novel explores complex themes of faith, morality, and human experience through rich character development and detailed descriptions.
Naturalism — Zola's work exemplifies naturalism, focusing on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior, particularly in the context of rural life.
Religious Fiction — The narrative centers around a priest and his spiritual duties, delving into themes of faith, devotion, and the challenges of religious life.
Social Commentary — The book critiques social conditions and the struggles of rural communities, reflecting on poverty and the human condition.