Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola (1867)

Name: Thérèse Raquin
Author: Émile Zola

The novel revolves around the life of Thérèse Raquin, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage with her sickly cousin Camille. She embarks on an affair with Laurent, a friend of Camille's, and together they conspire to murder Camille. After the crime, Thérèse and Laurent are haunted by guilt and paranoia, leading to a downward spiral of madness and despair.

By Émile Zola · First published 1867 · Genre: Naturalism, Realism, Psychological Fiction · 32 chapters · 81,023 words

First lines

At the end of the Rue Guénégaud, coming from the quays, you find the Arcade of the Pont Neuf, a sort of narrow, dark corridor running from the Rue Mazarine to the Rue de Seine. This arcade, at the most, is thirty paces long by two in breadth. It is paved with worn, loose, yellowish tiles which are never free from acrid damp. The square panes of glass forming the roof, are black with filth.

On fine days in the summer, when the streets are burning with heavy sun, whitish light falls from the dirty glazing overhead to drag miserably through the arcade. On nasty days in winter, on foggy mornings, the glass throws nothing but darkness on the sticky tiles -- unclean and abominable gloom.

What this Textopian page supports

Thérèse Raquin is listed on Textopian as a novel by Émile Zola, dated 1867 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: 1867 CE
Language: English
Genres: Naturalism, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Tragedy, Gothic Fiction
Length: 81,023 words
Structure: 32 chapters, 1,153 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola
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Discussion starters

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How does this novel by Émile Zola fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Naturalism first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Naturalism — The novel exemplifies naturalism through its detailed depiction of the characters' lives, emphasizing the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.
Realism — The narrative presents a realistic portrayal of everyday life, focusing on the mundane and often bleak aspects of existence in 19th-century Paris.
Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological struggles of Thérèse, exploring her inner turmoil and emotional conflicts.
Tragedy — The plot unfolds with tragic elements, highlighting the consequences of passion and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.