Émile Zola
Émile Zola
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The French novelist Émile Zola was one of the most celebrated writers of the 19th century and remains one of the most widely read, translated and studied authors in the world. He was the leading figure of the literary school of naturalism, which sought to apply experimental scientific methods to literature, and an outspoken critic of injustice in all its forms, as can be seen in his famous open letter J’accuse…! In just 50 minutes, you will find out how Zola used his writing, and in particular his monumental 20-novel Les Rougon-Macquart cycle, to depict the social reality of his time and explore the constant change and upheaval that shaped the France of his time.
This clear and straightforward guide will provide you with a discussion of Zola’s most important works, including Thérèse Raquin and Germinal. It also features a full biography, an introduction to the main principles of naturalism, and an examination of the impact his work had both in France and abroad, giving you all the essential information about this influential writer and social activist.
About Émile Zola
Émile Zola was born in Paris in 1840, although he spent much of his childhood in Aix-en-Provence away from the upheaval of the capital. He later moved back to Paris, where he worked for a publishing company and mingled with historians, writers, thinkers and artists who exercised a major influence on his work. He was a prolific writer, publishing tales, poems, plays and short stories in addition to his critically acclaimed novels. His death in 1902 was met with an outpouring of grief around the world, and he remains a revered figure both in France and abroad.
This insightful and accessible 82-page book is structured as follows:
- Introduction to Émile Zola
- Social, political and historical context
- From Monarchy to Empire to Republic
- Evolutions and revolutions on the road to modernity
- The veneration of history
- 19th-century literature: from idealism to realism
- Biography of Émile Zola
- From Romantic idealism to realist disillusionment
- Modest beginnings in the literary world
- Ambitious projects
- Social and political commitment in his later years
- Characteristics of Zola’s work
- The birth of the experimental novel
- The writer as observer of reality
- Meticulous description and rigorous construction
- Literary devices and networks of symbols
- Modern, revolutionary themes
- Notable works
- Thérèse Raquin
- The Attack on the Mill
- Germinal
- Zola’s legacy
- Summary
Product details
ISBN | 9782808005180 |
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Publisher | Plurilingua Publishing |
Series | 50MINUTES.COM – Art and Literature |
Format | |
Pages | 82 |
File size | 5.4 MB |