Science versus Religion in Émile Zola's Work: A Descriptive, Narrative, and Aesthetic Comparison of Two Concepts Le Docteur Pascal

The debate between science and religion remains as passionate as ever. It enriches general knowledge, stimulates thought, and raises awareness. It is a question that challenges the greatest minds in every society. It is a clash of knowledge in which the debaters can never ultimately be decided. In other words, in both science and religion, gray areas remain that elude the light of reason and logic. And for good reason: each of these two concepts ultimately finds itself unable to fully realize its own truth. This is likely why their clash persists-because there is no winner in the verbal exchange and the clash of arguments. Émile Zola is one of the great French writers to have addressed this subject. In general, his work deals extensively with the social themes of his time, including scientific and religious themes. At the end of his first series of novels, *Les Rougon-Macquart*, these two concepts-so often pitted against each other throughout history-are brought together in a single story: *Le Docteur Pascal*. They form a duo but are also locked in a duel.