free-market capitalism . Of particular interest , however , was Dr Nelson ’ s discussion of the rising ‘ Public Woman ’, who was empowered with a new location to socialise independently through enormous department stores like ‘ The Ladies ’ Paradise ’.
VALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO A GREAT LITERARY WORK
ÉMILE ZOLA AND THE LADIES ’ PARADISE CLOSELY SCRUTINISED
On Friday 17 March , Year 12 Literature students had the opportunity to hear from Monash University Professor Emeritus of French and pre-eminent Australian expert on the writings of Émile Zola , Dr Brian Nelson .
Dr Nelson graduated from the University of Cambridge , received his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oxford , and led a distinguished teaching career in Paris , the UK and Australia . He is the author , translator , editor or co-editor of 26 books , including The Ladies ’ Paradise by Émile Zola , the first novel being studied by Year 12 Literature students this year . The novel is set in the eponymous 19th century Parisian department store ' The Ladies ' Paradise ’ and follows the struggle of a young salesgirl , Denise , against insalubrious working conditions , oppressive patriarchal systems and the store ’ s predatory owner , Octave Mouret .
Dr Nelson ’ s captivating presentation gave valuable insights into the context surrounding the narrative , chronicling the rise of Napoleon III as a despot , the grand renovation of Paris under Baron Haussmann , and the emergence of
DR BRIAN NELSON ADDRESSES THE YEAR 12 LITERATURE STUDENTS
Dr Nelson also provided nuanced analyses and questions about Émile Zola ’ s concerns within the novel . Do the new department stores afford women more autonomy , or are they a tool to manipulate their desires and objectify them further ? How can one reconcile the brutal conditions faced by workers with the glamorous and efficient new era of commerce ? Does Denise truly benefit from her relationship with Mouret ?
Dr Nelson ’ s words enthralled the entire class , built on ideas we had already covered and left us with new perspectives to incorporate into our work . It was a privilege to listen to such an expert in his field and a highlight of the year we will all cherish . CHRISTOPHER O ’ CONNELL – YEAR 12