The Fortune of Rougons - Émile Zola

The Fortune of the Rougons by Émile Zola is the first novel in his monumental Les Rougon-Macquart cycle. Set during the rise of the French Second Empire, the story unfolds around the 1851 coup d’état by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte. At that time, France was deeply divided politically: the aristocracy tended to support the monarchy, much of the bourgeoisie aligned with the new Empire (Bonapartist), and many workers and republicans fought for democratic ideals. Through this conflict, Zola reveals how politics, class ambition, and moral compromise profoundly shaped both public events and everyday life. As the foundational novel of the cycle, it marks the point of origin from which everything unfolds—the beginning of the hereditary forces that will determine the fate of the Rougon-Macquart family across generations.

Set in the provincial town of Plassans, The Fortune of the Rougons centers on Pierre Rougon, an ambitious man determined to climb the social ladder. Pierre is the son of Adélaïde Fouque—known as Tante Dide—the matriarch at the origin of the Rougon-Macquart family line. Married to Félicité, he fathers several children who will later play important roles in the series. Pierre’s half-brother, Antoine Macquart, and his half-sister, Ursule Mouret (née Macquart), represent the other branch of the family. But contrast with Pierre, Antoine drinks a lot and lives carelessly. His drinking shows his bitterness, laziness, and lack of discipline. Zola portrays Macquart side are jealousy, bitterness, and long-standing resentment, highlighting the deep internal divisions that run through the same bloodline. 

The conflict between Pierre and his half-brother Antoine Macquart is not only about family inheritance, but also about politics. At first, Pierre seems to support the monarchy largely because of his wife and her relatives, who influence his ambitions and social position. Antoine, who identifies as a republican, uses these political differences as a weapon to take revenge on Pierre. This deepens their personal hatred and shows how national political conflict can divide even members of the same family.

In this novel, Zola also offers subtle hints and brief introductions to the Rougon and Macquart children, suggesting their distinct personalities and ambitions. Many of these children later become central figures in other novels in the Les Rougon-Macquart series, making The Fortune of the Rougons not only a family drama but also the foundation of a much larger literary saga.

But, Zola represented Silvère Mouret true political belief that comes from the heart. He likes reading republican and democratic pamphlets at Tante Dide’s house, especially ideas about equality and people’s rights that were popular around the 1848 Revolution. Unlike Pierre, who uses politics for personal gain, Silvère believes politics should improve society. His pursuit is not mainly for his own success, but for justice and a better future for the people. 

In conclusion, The Fortune of the Rougons shows that politics and family cannot be separated. Through Pierre and Antoine, we see how political beliefs can be used not only for ideals but also for ambition and revenge. The novel makes me question whether success comes from morality or from manipulation, especially through Pierre and Félicité’s desire for wealth and status. Overall, this book feels like a strong beginning to a larger story about family, power, and the consequences of ambition. Through Silvère Zola shows what idealistic and sincere political belief looks like, even when it faces a harsh reality, making the story feel emotional and symbolic.

Ruang Buku Megga Rated : ✬✬✬✬✬ (5/5)

Title :  The Fortune of Rougons 
Author : Émile Zola
Publisher : Oxford World Classics
Year : September, 2012 (First Published in 1871)
Format / Pages : Softcover / 301 pages
ISBN : 9780199560998