2booksaplenty1949
Getting Hélène and Henri together somewhere private was a plot challenge which Zola managed very subtly. An overt assignation, like that of Malignon and Mme Deberle, would be clearly out of character and indeed Zola draws a sharp contrast between their self-interest and superficiality and the deep passion which draws Hélène and Henri together. I did quite enjoy Mme Deberle’s cutting review of the love nest Malignon had set up.
