'Fortune of the Rougons, Book One of Rougon-Macquart Cycle' Summary

The novel begins with the story of Pierre Rougon, a cunning and ambitious man who takes advantage of the chaos following the French Revolution. He marries Adelaide Fouque, a woman with a troubled past, and they have numerous children, including the ambitious and calculating Antoine, the ambitious but cruel Urbain, and the compassionate and sensitive Eugene. The story follows their lives, their struggles to survive in a harsh and unforgiving society, and the consequences of their choices. Zola vividly depicts the harsh realities of poverty, the brutality of the Second Empire, and the pervasive influence of social and political forces. He explores the complex interrelationships within the family, their rivalries, and the ways in which they are both shaped and manipulated by the social and historical circumstances in which they live. The novel also delves into the themes of heredity, suggesting that individuals are predetermined by their genetic inheritance and the environment in which they are raised. This exploration of the influence of heredity and environment will continue throughout the Rougon-Macquart cycle, as Zola traces the destinies of the family members across different generations and social strata.