Point of View

Émile Zola writes from the omniscient point of view, concentrating heavily on what goes on in the minds of Claude, Sandoz, and Christine. From the point of view expressed by examining the character of Claude, the reader is shown personality conflict as a tragic flaw. Examining Claude through his thoughts and his actions, the reader sees almost at once a great character with an almost classic character flaw. Skillfully, Zola is able to sustain interest in Claude by the hope against hope that he will finally succeed. In Sandoz, the reader learns the philosophy behind the need for change in the arts. Zola paints Sandoz as thoughtful and observant. If Sandoz has a flaw, it is his usual optimism and the naïve idea that there is hope to get the group of friends back to where they began. Looking at Christine, the reader sees the...