Penulis: Edmond 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.