The Ladies' Paradise

Denise, who is 20 years old, is the protagonist of The Ladies’ Paradise. She arrives in Paris from the French countryside because she is desperate. The death of her parents in quick succession means that she needs a job to support her two younger brothers. She sees herself as the boys’ mother, putting their needs ahead of hers. Self-sacrificing determination is a key aspect of Denise’s character. While she is shy and inexperienced, she has an iron-willed resolve. She is willing to endure suffering to help others. From giving her last few francs to Jean to going without food to ensure that Pepe eats, she puts herself through terrible times to help her brothers. Throughout the novel, she refuses to compromise her morals. Pauline suggests that Denise take a lover, but she cannot bring herself to give herself to a man she does not love and who does not love her back. She is unwilling to become Mouret’s lover because she sticks rigidly to her principles, even as the other employees spread malicious rumors about her sexual proclivities. Denise never compromises and never shies away from helping others.