One of the greatest French writers of the 19th century and perhaps the most important representative of the naturalist movement in literature were the Emil Zola. In his works, he did not hesitate to highlight the problems faced by French society in the second half of the 19th century. Still, he developed remarkable political action, actively involved in the Dreyfish casewhich shocked French public opinion in the 1890s.
Emil Zola was born on April 2, 1840 at Paris. His parents were engineer François Zola and Emili Obert. Having lost his father at an early age, Emil spent difficult childhood years, in deprivation and hardships. When he became adult, he made an effort to study law in Paris, but without much success. He then got a job as a clergyman in a publishing house. Although his salary was small, he managed to rent a small apartment in the French capital and to cope well with his obligations and his mother.
Between 1870 and 1893, Zola published 20 novels.
He gradually discovered his talent in writing articles and short stories. Started writing in various newspapers and At the age of 24 he published his first book. Between 1870 and 1893, Zola published twenty novels in a circle of stories in which the author watches the lives of the members of the two branches of a family, Rugon and Macar, who lived during the Second French Empire (1852-1870). In these stories Zola presents the impoverished lifestyle of the lower social strata of France. Starring people addicted to alcoholism, poor workers and prostitutes, such as Nana (1877), who corrupts the Parisian elite with her lures.
In 1898, being a respected writer, Zola shook French society by publicly in favor of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, who was accused of espionage by the French authorities. Specifically, in January 1898 Zola published an article entitled “Accusement” in the L’Aurore newspaperwhich was published by George Clemans. In his article, Zola spoke of a conspiracy, which cost freedom to Captain Alfred Dreyfus, stating that the cause of his conviction was the anti -Semitism that was leading the leadership of her defense ministry. France.
Zola’s intervention is considered decisive for the final acquittal of Captain Dreyfus.
Naturally, Zola’s article caused a feeling all over the world. He received a coordinated attack by French media and in fear of his physical extermination escaped to United Kingdom. His intervention, however, is considered decisive for the final acquittal of the captain, as the case was reviewed by the French courts.
Zola passed away on September 29, 1902 due to the poisoning caused by fumes, from the stove of his home. He left behind a huge work, which inspired many artists, not only in France but in the whole world.
Column: Myrto Katsigera, Vassilis Minakakis, Antigoni-Despina Poumenidou, Athanasios Syroplakis
