L'Assommoir: Analysis of Major Characters
"L'Assommoir" is a novel by Émile Zola that explores the lives of working-class characters in Paris, focusing on themes of love, hardship, and societal decay. The central character, Gervaise, is a determined laundry worker whose life takes a tragic turn after being abandoned by her lover, Lantier. She marries Coupeau, a roofer, and initially finds some stability, but their life deteriorates when Coupeau suffers a debilitating accident and succumbs to alcoholism. Lantier's return intensifies Gervaise's struggles, leading to her eventual decline and loneliness.
Supporting characters play significant roles in shaping Gervaise's fate. Lantier's infidelity with Adèle and the animosity from Adèle’s sister, Virginie, further complicate Gervaise's life. The couple's daughter, Nana, chooses a life on the streets, deepening Gervaise's despair. Goujet, a neighbor who harbors hidden affection for Gervaise, symbolizes the potential for support that remains unfulfilled. Through these characters, Zola paints a stark portrait of the challenges faced by those in the lower echelons of society, illustrating how personal choices and societal pressures intertwine to influence their destinies.
L'Assommoir: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Émile Zola
First published: L'Assommoir, 1877 (English translation, 1879)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paris, France
Plot: Naturalism
Time: Second half of the nineteenth century
Gervaise (zhehr-VEHZ), a laundry worker. Deserted by her lover, Lantier, she marries Coupeau, with whom she prospers until her husband is disabled by an accident and takes to drink. When Lantier returns, she begins to degenerate until, worn out by the hardships of her life, she dies alone.
Lantier (lahn-TYAY), Gervaise's lover, who deserts her and their two children only to return later and complete the ruin of her life.
Coupeau (kew-POH), Gervaise's husband. A roofer, he works hard to support his family until, idled by an accident, he takes to drink.
Adèle (ah-DEHL), the prostitute for whom Lantier deserts Gervaise.
Virginie (veer-zhee-NEE), Adèle's sister and the enemy of Gervaise, over whom she finally triumphs by acquiring Gervaise's shop and the favors of Lantier.
Nana, the daughter of Gervaise and Coupeau. Her decision to leave home for the streets causes Gervaise to lose all interest in life and hastens her complete degeneracy and death.
Goujet (gew-ZHAY), a neighbor secretly in love with Gervaise, whom he tries in vain to help.
Claude (klohd) and Étienne (ay-TYEHN), the children of Gervaise and Lantier.
Madame Boche (bohsh), an older friend of Gervaise.
Madame Fauconnier (foh-koh-NYAY), the proprietor of a laundry, who gives Gervaise work after her desertion by Lantier.