The Beast Within

Summary

The novel "The Beast Within" by Émile Zola is part of the "Rougon-Macquart" series and explores the theme of heredity and the influence of the environment on individuals. The main character, Jacques Lantier, a train engineer, suffers from uncontrollable murderous impulses, which he attributes to the hereditary flaws of his family. The story unfolds against the backdrop of railway life, where Jacques battles his inner demons and seeks salvation in love. However, his passion for a woman named Séverine leads to tragic events. Zola masterfully depicts the psychological struggle of the protagonist, raising questions about the nature of human cruelty and responsibility for one's actions.