Author: Eliza E. Chase

Émile Zola (1840–1902) was a French novelist, journalist, and a principal progenitor of the literary school of naturalism. Known for his critical scrutiny of society and keen observation of minutiae, Zola”s work transcended mere storytelling to dissect the underbelly of the human condition and the complexities of reality. His legacy includes the monumental 20-volume series Les Rougon-Macquart which chronicles the lives of two families over several generations. “The Dream” (“Le Rêve”), published in 1888 as the sixteenth installment of this series, pivots from Zola”s usual gritty realism to a more lyrical and romantic narrative, demonstrating his versatility and lending itself to a softer portrayal of social circumstances. Zola”s influence on literature is unmistakable; his essay “The Experimental Novel” delineates his approach to naturalism, basing it on the same experimental methods used in the natural sciences. A man of convictions, he was instrumental to the resolution of the Dreyfus Affair—a miscarriage of justice rooted in anti-Semitism—through his famous open letter, “J”accuse…!”. Zola”s prolific output and steadfast commitment to social issues establish him not only as a figure of literary prominence but also as a public intellectual who utilized his pen in advocacy for truth and justice.