La Bête humaine by Émile Zola
- 1. La Bête humaine, published in 1890, is a powerful naturalistic novel by Émile Zola that explores the darker aspects of human nature through the intersecting lives of its characters, set against the backdrop of the French railway system during the late 19th century. The story centers around Jacques Lantier, a troubled train engineer plagued by violent urges and a hereditary predisposition to insanity, reflecting Zola's exploration of determinism and the impact of inherited traits. The railway serves not just as a setting but as a symbol of both progress and dehumanization, as Zola delves into themes of industrialization and the mechanization of modern life. The novel also portrays a complex web of relationships, notably between Jacques, his love interest Sébastien, and the sinister character of Roubaud, who becomes embroiled in a murder plot. Zola's vivid and unflinching descriptions of both the physical landscape of the French countryside and the psychological turmoil of his characters build a tense atmosphere that questions the very nature of morality and existence. Through its exploration of passion, violence, and the primal instincts that drive human behavior, La Bête humaine remains a profound commentary on the struggles of the human condition, making it a seminal work in Zola's Rougon-Macquart series.
Who is the main character in 'La Bête humaine'?
A) Sévérine
B) Jacques Lantier
C) Grandmorin
D) Roubaud
- 2. What is Jacques Lantier's occupation?
A) Mechanic
B) Ticket collector
C) Station master
D) Train driver
- 3. What does the title 'La Bête humaine' translate to in English?
A) The Savage Beast
B) The Beast of Man
C) The Human Beast
D) The Animal Within
- 4. What does Jacques feel he is battling against?
A) Society's rules
B) His family legacy
C) His inner beast
D) Nature itself
- 5. Sévérine is married to which character?
A) Roubaud
B) M. Malot
C) Jacques
D) Grandmorin
- 6. Which theme is prominent in Émile Zola's literary work?
A) Existentialism
B) Idealism
C) Determinism
D) Romanticism
- 7. Zola is best known for his influence on which literary technique?
A) Surrealism
B) Symbolism
C) Expressionism
D) Realism
- 8. What does Sévérine ultimately desire?
A) Revenge
B) Freedom
C) Wealth
D) Power
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