The Downfall Part Third

In The Downfall Part III Émile Zola explores the aftermath of the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. After the Battle of Sedan, the French army is imprisoned for a week before being marched to Germany. During their captivity, Jean and Maurice manage to escape, but Jean is wounded in the process. He is hidden and cared for by Henriette in the vicinity of Sedan, with his recovery lasting through the harsh winter. Meanwhile, Maurice makes his way to Paris, where the city is besieged by ...