Survival of the Fittest

This novel repeatedly presents the Darwinian idea that only the strongest survive. As Au Bonheur des Dames grows and becomes more and more successful, the neighborhood shops are driven out of business one by one. On several different occasions during the novel, Mouret explains why his department store is so successful, while the old-style trade shops refuse to change their ways to keep up with the times. In not being willing (or able) to change, the old shops prove to be weaker and therefore not able to survive in the new Paris.

The concept of survival of the fittest is also demonstrated on a different level in the silk department of the store. At first, Hutin undermines Robineau, even getting Bouthemont hired for the buyer position from the outside to prevent Robineau's promotion. Hutin wants Robineau's job. Once Hutin is under-buyer, he starts attacking Bouthemont...