Émile Zola

The Rush for the Spoil (La Curée) (eBook, ePUB)

Enriched edition. A Realistic Novel
Kommentar: Ainsworth, Autumn / Redaktion: Good Press / Übersetzer: Vizetelly, Ernest Alfred

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "The Rush for the Spoil" ("La Curée"), Émile Zola delves into the intoxicating world of Paris during the late 19th century, focusing on the extravagant lifestyles and moral decay of the bourgeoisie. This second novel in the Rougon-Macquart series is characterized by Zola's naturalistic style, which meticulously portrays the social and psychological underpinnings of its characters amidst the rapid urban expansion and the dawn of capitalism. Through vivid imagery and detailed descriptions, Zola critiques the materialism and hedonism that arise during the renovation of Paris under Baron Haussmann, engaging readers in a profound exploration of ambition and greed that ultimately leads to ruin. Émile Zola, a prominent figure in French literature, was greatly influenced by the socio-political climate of his time, which saw the struggles of the working class often overshadowed by the opulence of the affluent. His personal experiences with poverty and his commitment to social justice drove him to depict the harsh realities of life, and "The Rush for the Spoil" reflects his fascination with the interplay of wealth, power, and human behavior, serving as a critical examination of society's excesses. I highly recommend "The Rush for the Spoil" to readers interested in social critiques, historical narratives, and character-driven stories. Zola's incisive prose and gripping exploration of moral dilemmas provide not only an engaging reading experience but also a timeless commentary on the consequences of avarice in an evolving society. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand-picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 1177
• Erscheinungstermin: 27. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664605382
• Artikelnr.: 58499783

Autorenporträt

Émile Zola (1840-1902) was a French novelist, journalist, and playwright. Born in Paris to a French mother and Italian father, Zola was raised in Aix-en-Provence. At 18, Zola moved back to Paris, where he befriended Paul Cézanne and began his writing career. During this early period, Zola worked as a clerk for a publisher while writing literary and art reviews as well as political journalism for local newspapers. Following the success of his novel Thérèse Raquin (1867), Zola began a series of twenty novels known as Les Rougon-Macquart, a sprawling collection following the fates of a single family living under the Second Empire of Napoleon III. Zola's work earned him a reputation as a leading figure in literary naturalism, a style noted for its rejection of Romanticism in favor of detachment, rationalism, and social commentary. Following the infamous Dreyfus affair of 1894, in which a French-Jewish artillery officer was falsely convicted of spying for the German Embassy, Zola wrote a scathing open letter to French President Félix Faure accusing the government and military of antisemitism and obstruction of justice. Having sacrificed his reputation as a writer and intellectual, Zola helped reverse public opinion on the affair, placing pressure on the government that led to Dreyfus' full exoneration in 1906. Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1901 and 1902, Zola is considered one of the most influential and talented writers in French history.