What was the J’Accuse?
J’Accuse...! (I Accuse) Émile Zola, an influential French novelist, wrote an open letter to Félix Faure, President of the French Republic accusing the government of anti-Semitism in the Dreyfus Affair. It was published January 13, 1898, on the front page of the Paris daily, L’Aurore.
What was Zola’s J’Accuse?
Zola titled his letter "J'Accuse" (French for "I Accuse"), which was published on the front page of Georges Clemenceau 's liberal Paris daily L'Aurore. [8] Zola argued that "the conviction of Alfred Dreyfus was based on false accusations of espionage and was a misrepresentation of justice." [8]
Who wrote the letter to Faure in 1898?
Published January 13, 1898 on the front page of the Paris daily, L'Aurore. This text was written by Émile Zola, an influential French novelist. It is written as an open letter to Félix Faure, President of the French Republic, and accuses the government of anti-Semitism in the Dreyfus Affair .
When did the J-Accuse letter come out?
It was published in the newspaper L’Aurore on Jan. 13, 1898. The letter, which began with the denunciatory phrase “J’accuse,” blamed the army for covering up its mistaken conviction of Dreyfus.
Why is the dog called J accuse?
Fabienne Beriot names her dog "J'accuse" (I accuse, in English). This is the title of Emil Zola's famous open letter, published in 1898, in which the French writer takes a stand on the Dreyfus affair, a case of miscarriage of justice, that led to Alfred Dreyfus' lifelong sentence for espionage.
What is Emile Zola known for?
Émile Édouard Charles Antoine Zola (/ˈzoʊlə/, also US: /zoʊˈlɑː/, French: [emil zɔla]; 2 April 1840 – 29 September 1902) was a French novelist, journalist, playwright, the best-known practitioner of the literary school of naturalism, and an important contributor to the development of theatrical naturalism.
What is Émile Zola's most famous work?
Zola is perhaps most well-known for his 20 volume series called Les Rougon-Macquart. He penned and published the masterpiece between 1871 and 1893. The series is centered on two French families and is also one of the best examples of Naturalism in literature.
Is the life of Emile Zola a true story?
The biopic of the famous French muckraking writer and his involvement in fighting the injustice of the Dreyfus Affair. The biopic of the famous French muckraking writer and his involvement in fighting the injustice of the Dreyfus Affair.
What is naturalism according to Emile Zola?
Naturalism was first proposed and formulated by French novelist Emile Zola, and it was introduced to America by American novelist Frank Norris. It is a new and harsher realism. It is a theory in literature emphasizing scientific observation of life without idealism or avoidance of the ugly.
What books did Emile Zola write?
Germinal1885Nana1880L'Assomm...1877The Ladies' Paradise1883J'Accuse...!1898The Masterpiece1886Émile Zola/Books
What is naturalism in literature?
The term naturalism describes a type of literature that attempts to apply scientific principles of objectivity and detachment to its study of human beings.
Where do I start with Emile Zola?
The Best Books By Emile Zola You Should ReadGerminal, Emile Zola | Penguin Classics. Germinal (1885) ... La Bête Humaine, Emile Zola | Oxford World's Classics. La Bête Humaine (1890) ... L'Oeuvre, Emile Zola | Les Classiques de Poche. L'Oeuvre (1886)
What was the name of the newspaper that protested the Balfour Declaration?
The most popular Palestinian Arab newspaper, Filastin (La Palestine), published a four-page editorial in March 1925 protesting the Balfour Declaration, beginning with "J'Accuse!".
Who was Alfred Dreyfus?
Alfred Dreyfus was a French army officer from a prosperous Jewish family. In 1894, while an artillery captain for the General Staff of France, Dreyfus was suspected of providing secret military information to the German government.
What did Zola do to help Alfred Dreyfus?
Zola risked his career in January 1898 when he decided to stand up for Alfred Dreyfus. Zola wrote an open letter to the President of France, Félix Faure, accusing the French government of falsely convicting Alfred Dreyfus and of anti-Semitism. His intention was to draw the accusation so broadly that he would essentially force men in the government to sue him for libel. Once the suit was filed, the Dreyfusards (supporters of Dreyfus) would have the opportunity to acquire and publicize the shaky evidence on which Dreyfus had been convicted. Zola titled his letter "J’Accuse" (French for "I Accuse"), which was published on the front page of Georges Clemenceau 's liberal Paris daily L'Aurore.
Which article of the press law punishes slander?
While proclaiming these charges, I am not unaware of subjecting myself to articles 30 and 31 of the press law of July 29, 1881, which punishes the offense of slander. And it is voluntarily that I expose myself.
Who wrote the letter to Félix Faure?
Émile Zola, an influential French novelist, wrote an open letter to Félix Faure, President of the French Republic accusing the government of anti-Semitism in the Dreyfus Affair. It was published January 13, 1898, on the front page of the Paris daily, L’Aurore.
What did Major Picquart say to his superiors?
Major Picquart had fulfilled his duty as an honest man. He insisted to his superiors, in the name of justice. He even begged them, he said to them how much their times were ill-advised, in front of the terrible storm which was to pour down, which was to burst, when the truth would be known. It was, later, the language that Mr. Scheurer-Kestner also used with General Billot, entreating him with patriotism to take the affair in hand, not to let it worsen, on the verge of becoming a public disaster. No! The crime had been committed, the High Command could no longer acknowledge its crime. And Major Picquart was sent on a mission, one that took him farther and farther away, as far as Tunisia, where there was not even a day to honour his bravery, charged with a mission which would have surely ended in massacre, in the frontiers where Marquis de Morès met his death. He was not in disgrace, General Gonse maintained a friendly correspondence with him. It is only about secrets he was not good to have discovered.
Who is the diabolic workman of the miscarriage of justice?
I accuse Major Du Paty de Clam as the diabolic workman of the miscarriage of justice, without knowing, I have wanted to believe it, and of then defending his harmful work, for three years, by the guiltiest and most absurd of machinations.
Was General Billot compromised?
There must have been a minute full of psychological anguish. Notice that General Billot was in no way compromised, he arrived completely fresh, he could decide the truth. He did not dare, undoubtedly in fear of public opinion, certainly also in fear of betraying all the High Command, General De Boisdeffre, General Gonse, not mentioning those of lower rank. Therefore there was only one minute of conflict between his conscience and what he believed to be the military’s interest. Once this minute had passed, it was already too late. He had engaged, he was compromised. And, since then, his responsibility only grew, he took responsibility for the crimes of others, he became as guilty as the others, he was guiltier than them, because he was the Master of justice, and he did nothing. Understand that! Here for a year General Billot, General De Boisdeffre and General Gonse have known that Dreyfus is innocent, and they kept this appalling thing to themselves! And these people sleep at night, and they have women and children whom they love!
What is the J'accuse?
Emile Zola's "J'accuse". "J'accuse", an argument by novelist Emile Zola that Dreyfus was wrongfully convicted, was published on January 13, 1898. Zola's argument appeared on the front page of the Parisian daily L’Aurore in the form of an open letter to the President of the Republic. The text accuses the government of the era ...
Who are the three handwriting experts accused of making false and fraudulent reports?
I accuse the three handwriting experts, Sieurs Belhomme, Varinard and Couard, of having made false and fraudulent reports, unless a medical examination declares them suffering from vision and judgment disease.
Who was convinced of Esterhazy's guilt?
The research lasted from May to September 1896, and what has to be said aloud is that General Gonse was convinced of Esterhazy's guilt, that General de Boisdeffre and General Billot did not doubt that the slip was from Esterhazy's handwriting.
What did the scruples honor him all the more for?
These scruples honor him all the more since, while he remained respectful of discipline, his superiors made him cover with mud, instructed himself his trial, in the most unexpected and most outrageous manner. There are two victims, two good people, two simple hearts, who let God do it while the devil acted.
Who succeeded Sandherr?
Colonel Sandherr was dead, and Lieutenant-Colonel Picquart had succeeded him as head of the intelligence office. And it is for this reason, in the exercise of his functions, that the latter one day had in his hands a letter-telegram, addressed to Commander Esterhazy, by an agent of a foreign power.
Which article of the press law punishes defamation?
In laying these charges, I am aware that I am putting myself under the umbrella of articles 30 and 31 of the press law of July 29, 1881, which punishes crimes of defamation. And it is voluntarily that I expose myself.
Is it a crime to have relied on the filthy press?
And it is still a crime to have relied on the filthy press, to have allowed oneself to be defended by all the scoundrel of Paris, so that this is the scoundrel who triumphs insolently, in the defeat of law and simple probity.
Which article of the press law punishes slander?
While proclaiming these charges, I am not unaware of subjecting myself to articles 30 and 31 of the press law of July 29, 1881, which punishes the offense of slander. And it is voluntarily that I expose myself.
Who wrote the letter to Félix Faure?
Published January 13, 1898 on the front page of the Paris daily, L'Aurore. This text was written by Émile Zola, an influential French novelist. It is written as an open letter to Félix Faure, President of the French Republic, and accuses the government of anti-Semitism in the Dreyfus Affair . 6792 J'Accuse...!
What did Major Picquart say to his superiors?
Major Picquart had fulfilled his duty as an honest man. He insisted to his superiors, in the name of justice. He even begged them, he said to them how much their times were ill-advised, in front of the terrible storm which was to pour down, which was to burst, when the truth would be known. It was, later, the language that Mr. Scheurer-Kestner also used with General Billot, entreating him with patriotism to take the affair in hand, not to let it worsen, on the verge of becoming a public disaster. No! The crime had been committed, the High Command could no longer acknowledge its crime. And Major Picquart was sent on a mission, one that took him farther and farther away, as far as Tunisia, where there was not even a day to honour his bravery, charged with a mission which would have surely ended in massacre, in the frontiers where Marquis de Morès met his death. He was not in disgrace, General Gonse maintained a friendly correspondence with him. It is only about secrets he was not good to have discovered.
What was Dreyfus condemned for?
The preconceived opinion that they brought to their seats, is obviously this one: "Dreyfus was condemned for crime of treason by a council of war, he is thus guilty; and we, a council of war, cannot declare him innocent, for we know that to recognize Esterhazy's guilt would be to proclaim the innocence of Dreyfus.".
Why was Gobert coerced militarily?
Gobert, was coerced militarily, because he did not allow himself to reach a conclusion in the desired direction.
Who was convinced of Esterhazy's guilt?
Investigations ran from May to September 1896, and what should be well affirmed is that General Gonse was convinced of Esterhazy's guilt, and that Generals De Boisdeffre and Billot did not question that the memo was written by Esterhazy. Major Picquart's investigation had led to this unquestionable observation.
Who is the diabolic workman of the miscarriage of justice?
I accuse Major Du Paty de Clam as the diabolic workman of the miscarriage of justice, without knowing, I have wanted to believe it, and of then defending his harmful work, for three years, by the guiltiest and most absurd of machinations.
What is J'accuse?
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. J'accuse is a 1919 French silent film directed by Abel Gance. It juxtaposes a romantic drama with the background of the horrors of World War I, and it is sometimes described as a pacifist or anti-war film.
When was J'accuse first shown?
When J'accuse was first shown in France in April 1919, it was a great success with the public, whose mood in the aftermath of the war it seemed to capture.
Why was Abel Gance discharged from the French Army?
Abel Gance had been drafted into the French Army's Section Cinématographique during World War I, but he was later discharged because of ill-health, a piece of good fortune to which he later said he owed his life. He had already formulated the idea for J'accuse, influenced by the constant news of the deaths of friends at the front, and also by the recently published book Le Feu by Henri Barbusse, and he succeeded in persuading Charles Pathé to finance the film. Filming took place between August 1918 and March 1919. In order to film the battle scenes, Gance asked to return to the front and was re-enlisted into the Section Cinématographique, with the result that he found himself in September 1918 filming in the battle of Saint-Mihiel alongside the United States Army. His authentic footage was edited into the final section of the film.
Why is Diaz's final accusation made against the Sun?
Diaz's final accusation is made against the sun for being a mute witness to so much horror. Asked whether he regarded J'accuse as a pacifist film, Gance replied: "I'm not interested in politics... But I am against war, because war is futile.
How many episodes are there in J'accuse?
It was originally said to be in four episodes (film length 5250 metres), but was then reduced to three episodes (4350 metres).
What is the budget of J'accuse?
Budget. FF 525,000 . J'accuse is a 1919 French silent film directed by Abel Gance. It juxtaposes a romantic drama with the background of the horrors of World War I, and it is sometimes described as a pacifist or anti-war film. Work on the film began in 1918, and some scenes were filmed on real battlefields.
When was J'accuse filmed?
Filming took place between August 1918 and March 1919.
INTRODUCTION
In 1894, the French government tried and convicted military officer Alfred Dreyfus with treason. Dreyfus was convicted of passing intelligence secrets to German officials at the German Embassy in Paris. At the time of his trial, Dreyfus was the highest-ranking Jewish officer in the French Army.
SIGNIFICANCE
French writer Émile Zola helped bring the Dreyfus Affair into the public spotlight. Zola believed that Dreyfus was the victim of growing anti-Semitism in both French government and society. Zola risked his liberty to speak publically on behalf of Dreyfus.
FURTHER RESOURCES
Burns, Michael. France and the Dreyfus Affair: A Brief Documentary History. Bedford / St. Martin, 1998.
Overview
"J'Accuse...!" is an open letter that was published on 13 January 1898 in the newspaper L'Aurore by Émile Zola in response to the Dreyfus affair. Zola addressed President of France Félix Faure and accused his government of antisemitism and the unlawful jailing of Alfred Dreyfus, a French Army General Staff officer who was sentenced to lifelong penal servitude for espionage. Zol…
Background
Alfred Dreyfus was a French army officer from a prosperous Jewish family. In 1894, while an artillery captain for the General Staff of France, Dreyfus was suspected of providing secret military information to the German government.
A cleaning woman and French spy by the name of Madame Marie Bastian working at the German Embassy was at the source of the investigation. She ro…
Publication
Zola risked his career in January 1898 when he decided to stand up for Alfred Dreyfus. Zola wrote an open letter to the President of France, Félix Faure, accusing the French government of falsely convicting Alfred Dreyfus and of antisemitism. His intention was to draw the accusation so broadly that he would essentially force men in the government to sue him for libel. Once the suit was filed, the Dreyfusards (supporters of Dreyfus) would have the opportunity to acquire and pu…
Trial of Zola and aftermath
Zola was brought to trial for libel for publishing his letter to the President; he was convicted two weeks later. He was sentenced to jail and was removed from the Legion of Honour. To avoid jail time, Zola fled to England. He stayed there until the cabinet fell; he continued to defend Dreyfus.
Four years after the letter was published, Zola died from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a blocked chimney. On 4 June 1908, Zola's remains were laid to rest in the Panthéon in Paris. In 19…
Subsequent use of the term
• In 1913, the Mexican deputy Luis Manuel Rojas gave a discourse (Yo acuso...) in front of the Chamber of Deputies against the American ambassador Henry Lane Wilson due to his participation in the assassination of president and vicepresident Francisco I. Madero and José María Pino Suárez.
• In 1915, the German pacifist Richard Grelling wrote a book titled J'Accuse! in which he cond…
Further reading
• Wilkes Jr., Donald E. (11 February 1998). "'J'Accuse...!': Émile Zola, Alfred Dreyfus, and the greatest newspaper article in history". Flagpole Magazine. Vol. 12. p. 12. OCLC 30323514. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
External links
Media related to J'accuse...! at Wikimedia Commons