As in life and reality television, lust is an extremely powerful force in Thérèse Raquin. In fact, it completely dominates the lives of the book's adulterous protagonists, Thérèse and Laurent. Zola even tells us in the Preface that these two are nothing more than "human animals" (Preface.4). Over the course of the book, their lust pushes them to murder and eventually the brink of insanity.
Questions About Lust
- Why is Thérèse so attracted to Laurent when she first sees him? Does Laurent return her lust?
- Zola states that his goal in Thérèse Raquin is the "study of temperaments." What is the relationship between lust, Thérèse's nervous temperament, and Laurent's sanguine temperament?
- What happens to Thérèse and Laurent when they are prevented from satisfying their sexual appetites? Do you believe in the cause-and-effect relations Zola is arguing for in this book?
- Why do Thérèse and Laurent lose their attraction to each other after the murder of Camille?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Thérèse is nothing more than a human animal that lusts for Laurent without ever loving him.
Laurent and Thérèse aren't attracted to each other after Camille's death because they are too overcome by guilt.