Gervaise Macquart is a fictional character from the novel "L'Assommoir," written by French author Émile Zola. She is a working-class woman living in Paris during the late 19th century, representing the struggles of the lower class. Gervaise's life is marked by hardship, including poverty and personal loss, as she tries to build a better future for herself and her children. Throughout the story, Gervaise's character embodies the themes of realism and naturalism, which are central to Zola's literary style. Her experiences reflect the social issues of the time, such as the impact of industrialization and the challenges faced by women in society.