Fortune of the Rougons

Opening Scene

The book’s stirring opening happens on the eve of the coup d''état, involving an idealistic young village couple joining up with the republican militia in the middle of the night.

Flashback to Pre-Revolutionary Provence

Zola then spends the next few chapters flashing back in time to pre-Revolutionary Provence.

Introduction of Adelaide Fouque

We are then introduced to the eccentric heroine Adelaide Fouque, later known as “Tante Dide,” who becomes the common ancestor for both the Rougon and Macquart families.

Family Background

Her legitimate son from her short marriage to her late husband is forced to grow up alongside two illegitimate children, from Dide’s later romance with the smuggler, poacher, and alcoholic Macquart.