The Beast Within
fr. La Bête humaine · 1890
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Interesting Facts
- The book is part of the "Rougon-Macquart" series, where Zola explores the influence of heredity and environment on human behavior.
- The main character, Jacques Lantier, suffers from hereditary madness, making him unable to control his murderous impulses.
- The novel explores the theme of industrialization and its impact on the human psyche, especially through the imagery of the railway and locomotive.
- Zola uses the symbolism of the railway as a metaphor for relentless progress and the destructive forces it can carry.
- The book raises questions about free will and determinism, showing how heredity and environment can influence a person's fate.
- The novel has been adapted into several films, including the famous 1938 adaptation by Jean Renoir.
- Zola meticulously studied the railway industry and technology of his time to accurately depict the details of railway workers' lives.

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Date of publication: 23 October 2024
Last updated: 1 July 2025
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Genre: Classical literature
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