at that time but rather a "grandiose epic poem of misery" (13). The reader must judge for himself with further study how many of the details could actually be true. The most one can say is that, in general, the conditions portrayed are suggestive of what occurred in the mining industry in northern France in the 19th century.
The miners and their families lived in incredible poverty. Most American readers probably cannot even comprehend the degree of deprivation suggested in Germinal. The people are small from lack of nutrition and years of overwork in the mines. The women bear many children, starting as young teenagers, and adults are considered old at thirty. Children are bred as workers, and every family member is expected to bring in money. If people become sick or handicapped in any way they are openly viewed as a burden to the family although they are fed and kept alive.
Etienne discovers early in his work
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