You might find it strange that this so-called "scientific novel" has so many unscientific elements in it—like hallucinations, nightmares, and ghostly visits. After the murder of Camille, both Laurent and Thérèse begin to have visions that Camille's ghost visits them every night. Pretty soon their daily life together turns into an unspeakable nightmare, and Laurent in particular seems to be losing his sanity. It's hard to negotiate between Zola's claim that Thérèse Raquin is a purely empirical study of human nature and all of this supernatural stuff. But we believe in you, Shmoopers. You're smart. You'll figure it out.
Questions About Versions of Reality
- Why are Thérèse and Laurent so troubled by Camille's death if, according to Zola, they don't have souls?
- Are the hallucinations the lovers experience a sign of guilt, or are their bodies merely rebelling against them?
- In what way does Camille's ghost have more power than Camille ever did when he was alive?
- What are these supernatural elements doing in a novel that's supposed to be scientific?
Chew on This
Laurent doesn't feel guilty at all for murdering Camille, and his nervous attacks are just physical symptoms caused by external pressures.
Thérèse tries to counteract the influence of Camille's ghost by deluding herself into thinking that Mme Raquin has forgiven her—which is a great trick of psychology, not physiology.