The Belly of Paris

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1873, Émile Zola's novel «The Belly of Paris» is the third book in the Rougon-Macquart series, where the author examines the social and economic aspects of life in France during the Second Empire. The novel is set against the backdrop of the famous Parisian market Les Halles, which becomes a symbol of abundance and consumption. Zola uses this market as a metaphor to analyze social contrasts and class struggle, highlighting the divide between the rich and the poor, the well-fed and the hungry. The book is also known for its naturalistic style, which became a hallmark of Zola's work. «The Belly of Paris» had a significant impact on the development of naturalism in literature and remains an important work for studying social and cultural changes in 19th-century Paris.