‘According to Forestier, women are “the quickest way to succeed.” Do you agree?’ By Jackson Green:

Throughout “Bel Ami,” women are presented as the quickest route to gaining access to the upper class. Duroy is depicted most commonly utilizing the high profile positions of upper-class Parisian women in order to climb in social status. Furthermore, Forestier is living proof that women can act as directs route to higher social and professional positions. This is compounded further by women’s deep desire for passionate love, as this desire weakens their ability to resist the manipulative charms employed by men, which make it easier for them to cultivate relationships and climb the social ladder. However, while women can aid a man’s venture up the Parisian hierarchy, they can also act as hindrances that limit a man’s ability to progress in wealth and stature.

Initially, Duroy approached his goal of rising in social stature ethically, trying to work through the journalistic ranks at La Vie Francais, yet once informed of the social benefits of utilizing women, he is quickly depicted rising in social stature. Initially, Duroy is depicted feeling imprisoned in his, “cramped partly job as a reporter,” which are compounded by his growing fears of being, “without a possibility of escape.” Likewise, Duroy comes to realize that he his journalistically incompetent, which will limit his ability to progress in French society. These factors combine to leave Duroy, imprisoned in his mundane position as a sub-editor. However, Duroy recalls that Forestier had said he, ‘[had] hit it off with the ladies [and that he] should cultivate that, it could take [him] far.” Duroy is hinted at conjuring an idea of an alternative pathway to reach the upper class. Duroy is presented deviating from his daily habits and suddenly, “calling on a visit with Madame Marelle.” There is an underlying