Marianna Shannon (6) - Therese Raquin by Emile Zola: The Opposite of a Second Self?

    In a previous honors class centered on naturalism, we read Therese Raquin by Emile Zola. The story follows Therese and Laurent, two people who become consumed by their passion for each other and the guilt that follows their actions. Naturalism as a concept argues that people are controlled by their instincts, environment, and nature rather than their own free will.

    This made me think of the concept of the second self we explored through Gilgamesh and Enkidu, but where Gilgamesh and Enkidu balanced each other and brought out something greater, Therese and Laurent brought out the worst in each other. She was repressed and trapped by her environment, he was impulsive and ruled by desire. Together they didn't complete each other, they destroyed each other. It made me wonder if a second self can work in reverse, where instead of elevating you, they pull you into your darkest nature. Naturalism would say that was never in their control to begin with.

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