How did Émile Zola decide to portray the rise of department stores as a symbol of social change?
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The Ladies' Paradise

The Ladies' Paradise
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How did Émile Zola decide to portray the rise of department stores as a symbol of social change?
Did anyone else feel conflicted about the protagonist's ambitions — was her pursuit of success admirable or manipulative?
What inspired the detailed depiction of the shopping experience and the modern retail environment?