Medizin im Roman (English shop)

Untersuchungen zu "Les Rougon Macquart" von Emile Zola

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Émile Zola’s novel cycle Les Rougon-Macquart is regarded as a key work of Naturalism. The function of the natural sciences in the conception of the cycle has, however, traditionally been a matter of controversy. The comprehensive analysis of the medical sources Zola used demonstrates, on the one hand, his careful engagement with scientific theories; on the other hand, it must be borne in mind that he did not intend to write a medical case study, but rather artfully reshaped his knowledge into literary form. This study thus leads to a reassessment of Naturalism in literature, while at the same time providing insight into contemporary medical models of thought, particularly in the fields of heredity and psychiatry.