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Son Excellence Eugène Rougon
Émile Zola Collection
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His Excellency (Eugene Rougon) - Chapters VIII and IX
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Zulfiya
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Dec 30, 2013 08:33PM
The political infighting continues in the next two chapters. For the next 10 DAYS we are discussing chapters VIII and IX
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Eugene's political career is a see-saw. The novel starts with his resignation, and then we are drawn into the world of his posse, and everyone wants to achieve their smaller goals and pursue their interests. Rougon seems to be quite detached and even serene in his resignation and does not push hard to return to the position which he was asked to leave.
I think he was patiently waiting for his chance or for someone's oversight. And it happened. Originally, I was totally taken aback by his decision not to report the potential act of terrorism against the Emperor. On second thought, I think it was an act of supreme brazenness and ingenuity.
If the Emperor had been killed, Rougon would have been revenged. In the novel, as we know, he is unscathed (with the only exception of his hat), and he promotes Rougon to the position whose previous 'tenant' should have prevented this act of terrorism.
And now Rougon is a man of power, and his position is even more influential than the one he used to have. He is truly enjoying his new post and promoting his people all over the country. They penetrate different ministries and departments, officers and prefectures, thus creating a certain security net for Rougon.
I REALLY LIKE how Zola characterizes Rougon. He has called his 'the great man' or 'this great man' several times. For a naturalist and objectivist, it is tantamount to a very expressive passage full of emotional words and imagery. A great man, indeed
We were also discussing Mme Rougon in our previous section. I still think she might NOT be accidental as she seems to be, but so far, she is diffused in interior of his residence and brings tea and cakes ...
Wow, Dagny! This is really helpful! It is as if Clorinde comes alive. Visualization helps so much with the novel. Clorinde is already the most appealing emotional character of the novel, and now her emotional presence will be even more noticeable for me.
Just finished reading the last pages of Chapter IX. Well, what a revelation for the great man to learn that some of his opponents who finally supported him in his political aspiration, changed their loyalties due to charming Chlorinde Balbi. I even felt sorry for Rougon for a while:-)
Corruption large and small, the growth of arrogance, and an untrammelled lust for power. The repression of political opposition reminds me of Stalin.
Mod
Malheureusement, c'est la vérité pure et simple!
Dagny wrote: "According to Frederick Brown in Zola A Life, Clorinde Balbi is 'modeled after Virginie de Castiglione, the "divine contessa" who descended upon Paris in 1855 as Cavour's secret agent and argued the..."Yes, and I don’t know if this was already mentioned, but Eugène Rougon is clearly modeled after minister Eugène Rouher, as Marsy is modeled after the Duc of Morny and Delestang after Émile Ollivier.
This is a real roman à clé!
Mod
Was there any connection between Clorinde's Italian correspondence and the plot against the emperor?
Wendel wrote: "Eugène Rouher:Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugène_R..."
Thank you, Wendel. This is virtually how I imagine Rougon, especially his big hands.
Robin wrote: "Was there any connection between Clorinde's Italian correspondence and the plot against the emperor?I think we can get more definitive answers in the next chapters.
And yes, Clorinde enjoys toying with Rougon. She is coquettish and cheeky. She often teases Rougon even when her husband is present, even in the tiny space of a carriage. What a lady!
Mod
