The Ladies' Paradise

To what extent is Denise a static or dynamic character? Her material circumstances change greatly, but does her character change?

The small business owners loathe The Ladies’ Paradise, yet they cannot look away from it. What direct and indirect characterization devices does the author use to convey their relationship to the store?

In what ways does the novel use the setting to explore Changing Gender Roles? How do locations such as department stores, small shops, and the countryside develop this theme?

How does The Ladies’ Paradise use voice to develop Emerging Class Differences and Class Consciousness? Compare and contrast the manner of speaking of the characters and narrator as they relate to class.

How does the author use Madame Marty to develop the themes of the novel?

To what extent can The Ladies’ Paradise be considered a satire?

Choose an item for sale at The Ladies’ Paradise that is mentioned repeatedly. How does it function as a motif relevant to a major theme of the novel?

Compare and contrast the two Baudu funerals in the penultimate chapter of The Ladies’ Paradise. How do their similarities and differences develop the novel’s themes?