Summary

In the weeks following Gervaise’s saint’s dinner, Coupeau and Lantier become quite close, and begin a trend of them drinking and eating together on an almost nightly basis. Lantier becomes reacquainted with his child, Étienne, with whom he has an only partially parental relationship. As Lantier continues to show up at their apartment on the Rue de la Goutte-d’Or, he tries to ingratiate himself with Gervaise as well as the other women in the shop, by bringing sweets and flowers almost every day. As public opinion of Lantier, the once absent father and abusive lover, gradually rises, and he again becomes a staple of the neighborhood, Lantier decides he wants to live in the Goutte-d”or neighborhood. Seeing an opportunity, Coupeau offers him a room in their shop, on the grounds that he would be able to help with the rent...