Marquise’s Shoulders by Émile Zola. Short summary

5 seconds

The Marquise’s impeccably bared shoulders are a piquant emblem of the Second Empire. Every time it is necessary to support the throne, the Marquise puts on an imposing cleavage and goes out in public.

1 minute

The Marquise is spoiled and infantile. She glitters at social events, lounges in bed until noon, knows a thing or two about fashion, and loves to skate.

The Marquise is very generous and kind-hearted. Thoughts of the poor wretches freezing in their huts tarnish her cheerful mood. But not for long. A day full of winter fun lies ahead.

Yesterday at the minister’s ball, the Marquise was gorgeous in a fancy dress, traditionally revealing flawless shoulders. Madame is aware of the irresistibility of her shoulders and has shamelessly flaunted them for years, ever since décolleté outfits were permitted at the Tuileries.

The Marquise wears an imposing cleavage every time she needs to support the throne and her beloved government of the Second Empire. The charms of the defender of the throne are more persuasive than the speeches of ardent orators and the bayonets of soldiers.