Auteur: Jules de Goncourt

Jules de Goncourt, born on December 17, 1830, in Paris, forms one half of the illustrious French writing duo « the Goncourt brothers » alongside his brother Edmond. With an education steeped in classical literature and art, Jules cultivated a profound aesthetic sensibility that radiated through his literary works. The brothers, who were inseparable in life and collaborative in writing, made significant contributions to nineteenth-century French literature. Their partnership lasted until Jules »s untimely death in 1870. A famous example of their literary excellence is « Germinie Lacerteux » (1865), a groundbreaking novel that challenged the norms of the contemporary French novel. The work is notable for its realism and its incisive exploration of the lower classes and their struggles, a theme considered scandalous at the time. « Germinie Lacerteux » serves as a pivotal entry in the brothers » oeuvre, reflecting their commitment to portraying life with unflinching honesty and psychological depth. The book was an act of defiance against romanticized literary traditions, advocating for a literature that delved into societal truths. Their profound impact on literary realism and naturalism left an indelible mark that would influence generations of writers. The Goncourt brothers » legacy continues with the prestigious Prix Goncourt, a prize they bequeathed in their will to honor and support French literature.