Emile Zola (1840-1902) is perhaps the most important French writer of the 19th century. Zola dramatically shaped the course of French literature through the development of naturalism, characterized by the unsentimental and realistic portrayal of middle and lower class French life. His twenty novel cycle ‘Les Rougon-Macquart’ is epic in scope, often drawing comparisons to the prolific output of Balzac. Here, in his 1888 ‘Le Rêve’ (‘The Dream’) we encounter the sixteenth installment of the cycle. This tale tells the story of the young orphan Angélique Marie. Enchanted by stories of heraldry and sainthood, she dreams of being swept away by a brave prince. Her fairy-tale wish works its way into her life when she falls in love with Félicien d’Hautecœur, a member of a noble family with deep roots. Their affair becomes tumultuous, however Félicien’s father contests their relationship. ‘The Dream’ is a fine work which fits neatly into Zola’s expansive and varied oeuvre—a tale that truly demonstrates his naturalism and breadth of characterization.
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