Pot-Bouille: Black Comedy

Abstract

The declared aim of Pot-Bouille was the depiction of the mentality and morals of the Parisian bourgeoisie: ‘Montrer la bourgeoisie à nu, après avoir montré le peuple, et la montrer plus abominable, elle qui se dit l’ordre et l’honnêteté.’¹ Paul Alexis, explaining the title of the novel, wrote: ‘Aux bourgeois qui disent: nous sommes l’honneur, la morale, la famille, il [Zola] voulait répondre: ce n’est pas vrai, vous êtes le mensonge de tout cela, votre pot-bouille est la marmite où mijotent toutes les pourritures de la famille et tous les relâchements de la morale.’² Zola’s intentions in this neglected novel are emphatically satirical; but although the book is intended as a comprehensive indictment of the bourgeoisie, it focuses on the theme of sexuality, which is seen as a mechanical, animal activity sustained by habit and propelled by cynicism. The pervading atmosphere, heightened by structural repetition and circularity, is one of furtive secrecy and sour monotony. Although Pot-Bouille has some of the outward forms of a bedroom farce, there is no trace of gaiety or gauloiserie in its depiction of ‘adultères sans passion sexuelle’ (‘adultery without sexual passion’).³ What is striking about the novel is the acerbity of its tone, the deeply sombre nature of its indictment.