Russian literature

Emile Zola, the blog author's favorite author.

What is Emile Zola's Novel Style and Naturalistic Literature - What makes Zola so great?

The terms "00ism" and "~~ism" are often used to determine what group a writer belongs to or what tendencies he or she has.

However, the word itself may be difficult to understand, and it may be even more complicated than it needs to be.

In such a situation, Zola explains his own novel style, "naturalistic literature," in his own words. It was very easy to understand, so this article will consider the characteristics of Zola's novel style with reference to Zola's words.
destructionEmile Zola, the blog author's favorite author.

Zola's "The Ruin" Synopsis and Impressions - A brilliantly vivid account of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, which brought down the Second Empire of France!　A masterpiece of war literature!

This work is not well known in Japan but is regarded as a milestone in war literature.

Zola's signature sensory stimulating writing makes you feel as if you are watching the war up close and personal.

Zola is still an artist. He gives the reader terrifying inspiration, images, and shocks. He does not merely copy the phases of the world, he sublimates them into art.

The Devastation was a massive work, a fitting climax to a series of books. Its reputation as a masterpiece and a milestone in war literature is unquestionable. It was a wonderful work.
human beastEmile Zola, the blog author's favorite author.

Zola "The Beastmaster" Synopsis and Comments - Zola's railroad suspense inspired by "Crime and Punishment"! Is murder reason or instinct?

Raskolnikov killed by reason, Jack by instinct.

The contrast between the two protagonists is perhaps the clearest indication of the difference between Dostoevsky's and Zola's views of humanity.

If you are hooked on "Crime and Punishment," I hope you will read this one as well.

I recommend this book along with Balzac's "Old Gorio" (see article below).
zoraEmile Zola, the blog author's favorite author.

Zola is the best place to learn about French society and culture in the second half of the 19th century! What is Emile Zola's "Lugon-Macquart Series"?

In my previous article, "On Emile Zola's Far More Interesting Than I Had Imagined: The Impact of 'The Tavern'," I mentioned that Emile Zola's "Lugon McCall Series" is a great way to learn about the French Second Empire and a great way to learn about Dostoevsky. I also mentioned that the "Lugon-Macquart series" by Emile Zola is a great way to learn about the French Second Empire, and that it may be very significant for learning about Dostoevsky.

In this article, I will give a brief overview of what the "Lugon McCall Series" is all about.
zoraEmile Zola, the blog author's favorite author.

The Impact of "Izakaya! About the French writer Emile Zola, who was too funny.

I felt that to know Zola was to learn about French society, and consequently to learn about Dostoevsky's view of Europe, so I decided to read Zola's masterpiece "The Tavern" first.

Then I started reading this novel and I was tremendously shocked.

Zola is a fearsome writer.

This guy is definitely worth reading...

I found myself intensely attracted to the writer Emile Zola.
Zola and DostoevskyEmile Zola, the blog author's favorite author.

French writer Emile Zola and Dostoevsky If you know Zola, you know Dostoevsky!

The French Second Empire is a very important period directly related to our lives.

Dostoevsky had many things to say about France.

This being the case, I thought it was very important to know the social situation, thought, and culture of France during this period in order to learn more about Dostoevsky.

What can I read to learn more about France during the Second Empire...

It was with this in mind that I came across the great French writer Emile Zola.
Shigeru KashimaFrench Literature, History and Culture

Shigeru Kashima, "A Wonderful View, Paris World's Fair: Saint-Simon's Iron Dream," Paris World's Fair, which Eiichi Shibusawa also visited - Paris World's Fair as a device to arouse desire.

The Paris Exposition was not only a project to promote the industrialization of France, as in London, but also to promote the pursuit of desire on a national level.

I think this is a very important perspective on the era of the French Second Empire.

It was against this historical background that Dostoevsky entered Paris.

Knowing this background, Dostoevsky's works may show a different flavor.
The Tale of the Crystal PalaceFrench Literature, History and Culture

Masaie Matsumura, "The Tale of the Crystal Palace, World's Fair London 1851" - The connection between the world's first world's fair and Dostoevsky.

The London World's Fair was the first world's fair, and its history began in 1851.

At the time, Dostoevsky was living in exile in Omsk prison in Siberia.

Dostoevsky made his first trip to Europe in 1862. It is said that he visited London at that time and saw the Crystal Palace, which remained after the first World's Fair in London.

In this article, I will refer to "The Tale of the Crystal Palace, World's Fair London 1851" by Masaie Matsumura.
Gorio old manFrench Literature, History and Culture

Balzac's "Old Gorio" Synopsis and Impressions - The Story of the Rise of a Young Frenchman - What is the Connection to Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment"?

Published in 1830, "Old Gorio" is Balzac's masterpiece and is considered one of the world's ten greatest novels.

When I read this novel, I was amazed.

The situation of the young man Rastignak, the protagonist of the film, was similar to that of Raskolnikov, the protagonist of "Crime and Punishment.

Reading "Old Gorio" also made me think about why Dostoevsky created Raskolnikov, whose path is similar to Rastignak's but very different.