<p>In "The Joy of Life" (La joie de vivre), ?âmile Zola crafts a vivid tapestry of naturalism, exploring the intertwined destinies of his characters against the backdrop of late 19th-century France. Central to this narrative is the spirited and sensual Pauline, whose innate zest for life contrasts sharply with the oppressive societal norms and personal tragedies that surround her. Zola'Äôs lyrical prose intertwines rich descriptions with incisive...