Au Bonheur Des Dames = the Ladies' Delight Study Guide & Notes

Au Bonheur Des Dames = the Ladies' Delight Plot Summary

Preview of Au Bonheur Des Dames = the Ladies' Delight Summary:

Au Bonheur des Dames presents a look at late nineteenth century Paris and the introduction of the large department store. It takes a close look at the conditions in the department store, as well as the appeal to its customers and affect on the small businesses. This backdrop is the scene of a developing romance between Mouret, the store's owner, and a girl from the provinces, Denise, an unlikely match given their different social status. As Denise learns about the struggle for survival, Mouret discovers that his money cannot buy what he really wants.

Denise arrives in Paris with her brothers a year after her parents have died. She is hoping to get a promised job in her uncle Baudu's shop. Her uncle does not give her a warm welcome. Denise ends up getting a job at the department store, but after almost a year is still not able to...
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