Definition
Émile Zola (1840-1902) was a prominent French novelist, playwright, and journalist. He championed Naturalism, depicting social realities with stark detail. Zola's works often exposed poverty, corruption, and injustice in 19th-century France. He aimed to provoke social reform through his powerful narratives. Consider him a literary activist who used fiction to ignite change. His famous open letter *J'Accuse!* defended Alfred Dreyfus, a victim of antisemitism. Zola's legacy includes his unflinching portrayal of society's dark sides.