Emile Zola uses the setting of the novel Thérèse Raquin in order to deepen the meaning of the text, focusing specifically on the recurring theme of imprisonment versus freedom. It is interesting to note that Zola often uses his freedom of choice of setting to show Thérèse's imprisonment in his life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"?Get the original essayZola begins the novel with the description of the Pont-Neuf passage in order to highlight Thérèse's imprisonment. The sky is described as "black and crudely rendered, as if covered with leprous sores and zigzagged with scars" (7), negative connotations which symbolize Thérèse's unhappy life, marked by her oppressive childhood and her arranged marriage. The description of the sky as "covered with leprosy sores and zigzagged with scars" is an allusion to the decadence of Thérèse's spirit and passion, and the emphasis on the darkness of the sky suggests Thérèse's incapacity to escape his situation. The light that appears is “only a pale glow [which] falls onto the sidewalk below in dark, flickering pools that sometimes disappear almost completely” (8), further suggesting the sadness that overwhelms any life or passion for Thérèse, who cannot live freely in his native Algeria, just as the light is pale and flickering. , Thérèse’s liveliness is repressed. Zola continues by describing the Pont-Neuf passage as "like an underground gallery dimly lit by three funerary lamps", another allusion to Thérèse's virtual imprisonment. Zola continues to describe Thérèse's imprisonment by describing the haberdashery found there. the passage du Pont-Neuf: upon entering “the shop which was now to be her home, she had the impression of falling into the sticky earth of a grave” and as she walked through the rooms “the solitude and dilapidation of this apartment empty and unfurnished was terrifying” (19). Locked in a tomb, a prison of apparent solitude - the setting conveys and underlines Thérèse's feelings about her life and illustrates her pitiful situation: "Living in the midst of humidity and darkness, in oppressive silence and gloomy, [she] saw life extending uselessly. before her” (21). By describing Thérèse's physical environment as oppressive, he alludes to her entire life as an oppressed woman. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay These two examples demonstrate Zola's effective use of description and setting to emphasize the imprisonment of his unfortunate protagonist, a tactic he uses successfully throughout the novel.