The Ladies' Paradise Literary Elements

Novel

Actions take place in 19th century, Paris, France.

The narration is recounted by a third person, who describes the everyday life of inhabitants in Paris. The theme of love and fashion are mentioned here. Also dialogues between characters are present in this story.

Because of the romantic events in this story, the novel reproduces the lovely and unruffled mood. But there are many strained events, which determine the fate of characters. In that case the tone is intrigued and disturbing.

The major protagonist is Denise, and the major antagonist is problems, which always don’t give opportunity to attain her aim.

The major conflict is between the boutique “Paradise” and other stores. The owner of “Paradise” sells foods at a low price and that’s why he has a lot of buyers. Other stores suffer damage and fail. And every salesman hates Octave Mouret for the “Paradise”.

The climax actually happens in conclusion of the story, when Octave Mouret refuses from his millions and makes a declaration of love to Denise. And she agrees with him.

The foreshadowing takes place in the beginning of the novel. When Denise arrives, her uncle promises to give her some work, but his shop incurs losses. It foreshadows that the shop will be closed and all efforts will be useless. And it happens in such a way.

Some facts, such as not very honest ways of trading, are suppressed in the novel, though they are understood from the context, the author himself never says of it directly.

The story alludes the most famous streets and shopping areas in Paris: the Rue de la Michodière and the Rue Neuve-Saint-Augustin.

The author gives vivid descriptions of Paris and its life, which appeal to readers' senses providing both spectacular and squalor views.

The most contradictory fact is that concerning Octave Mouret’s attitude to women. Not really respecting them, and considering just as a subject of his desires, he falls in love with a rather insignificant girl, which proves that one never knows what to expect from life.

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The business is often personified in the text. It destroys the relations between people and makes them mortal enemies. But sometimes it delivers from the death, famine and poor life. And it also makes people successful.