How important is Therese’s illegitimacy in your view of her character?
At the time that Emile Zola wrote Therese Raquin, there was prejudice about illegitimate children. It was believed that children conceived in lust and irresponsibility would grow into lustful, powerful, passionate and sensual adults. Almost animals that cannot control their impulses. Whether Zola agreed with this is debatable but by looking at Therese’s character, there are obviously elements of her personality that can be compared to the idea people had about illegitimate children. However, it is important to mention that Therese has african blood running through her veins which could also contribute greatly to her intense personality.
Throughout the beginning of the novel, Therese appears to be a calm, polite and caring person. None of her relatives are aware of the passionate fire burning inside of her. When the family moves to Paris, Therese feels as though she is being thrown into a big damp hole as she walks into the shop. Almost like her own grave. From then on, she learns to completely disappear inside herself and constantly wears a mask that hides all the hate and bubbling of lust within her. Her desires grow even stronger when she meets Laurent and they will keep on growing by the day. When Therese and Laurent finally become lovers, it is like an explosion. The girl’s true personality is released, she becomes a completely different person resembling an animal. Laurent is frightened at first but quickly becomes addicted, like a love heroin. He will continue to take this drug for eight months but instead of satisfying Therese’s sexual needs, it only makes them more intense.
