The Three Cities, Paris Volume V
The novel revolves around the lives of several characters connected to the Gouget family, focusing on their struggles with love, morality, and social class in late 19th-century France. The story explores themes of adultery, illegitimacy, and the consequences of one's actions.
By Émile Zola · First published 1898 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Critique, Historical Fiction · 5 chapters · 50,888 words
First lines
FOR some reason of his own Guillaume was bent upon witnessing the execution of Salvat. Pierre tried to dissuade him from doing so; and finding his efforts vain, became somewhat anxious. He accordingly resolved to spend the night at Montmartre, accompany his brother and watch over him. In former times, when engaged with Abbe Rose in charitable work in the Charonne district, he had learnt that the guillotine could be seen from the house where Mege, the Socialist deputy, resided at the corner of the Rue Merlin. He therefore offered himself as a guide. As the execution was to take place as soon as it should legally be daybreak, that is, about half-past four o'clock, the brothers did not go to bed but sat up in the workroom, feeling somewhat drowsy, and exchanging few words. Then as soon as two o'clock struck, they started off.
What this Textopian page supports
The Three Cities, Paris Volume V is listed on Textopian as a novel by Émile Zola, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Critique, Historical Fiction, Naturalism, Drama
- Length: 50,888 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 587 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Three Cities, Paris Volume V by Émile Zola
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Three Cities, Paris Volume V?
- How does this novel by Émile Zola fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Three Cities Paris Volume Iv by Emile Zola
- The Three Cities Paris Volume Iii by Emile Zola
- The Three Cities Paris Volume Ii by Emile Zola
- The Three Cities Rome Volume V by Emile Zola
- The Three Cities Rome Volume Iv by Emile Zola
- For A Night Of Love by Emile Zola
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of social injustice, human suffering, and moral dilemmas through rich character development and detailed narrative.
- Social Critique — It critiques societal structures, particularly the class divide and the impact of poverty on human lives, reflecting Zola's naturalist approach.
- Historical Fiction — Set against the backdrop of Paris and its socio-political climate, the narrative incorporates historical events and figures, particularly the execution of Salvat.
- Naturalism — The writing style emphasizes a realistic portrayal of life, focusing on the harsh realities faced by the working class and the deterministic nature of their circumstances.
Tags
French literature · 19th century · Realism · Historical fiction · Urban life · Social commentary · Catholic Church · Religion · Politics · Sociology · Philosophy · Morality