Des œuvres décentes qui font rougir : la métaphore véhiculant la sexualité (apparemment) absente dans quelques romans zoliens
Decent works making the reader redden: metaphor as a way of showing sexuality (apparently) absent in some of Emile Zola’s novels

Summary/Abstract: Sex and sexuality are two obsessions of the 19th century. As the literature of this time, influenced by the Victorian hypocritical morality, rejects these subjects, considered as “immoral”, the relation of any form of sexual act is consequently absent in the works of 19th century writers, even of those who consider themselves as realists.However, the work of a writer like Emile Zola can’t pass over this problem, so important for the naturalism. For Zola, sex is a vital activity and should be shown by the works of art. Therefore, to give his writings the appearance of decency, Zola uses metaphors that “sexualise” some elements of the world of his novels, like plants, animals, things, places and everyday occupations. This lets him show, in an imaginary way, the aspects of life that can’t be displayed openly and directly. His poetic talent makes these images become one of the greatest literary values of his Rougon-Macquart series.

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