This study provides a theoretical and interpretative analysis of exile literature through the lens of french naturalist Émile Zola’s creative work during his stay in London. By connecting the terminological and conceptual frameworks of exile with Zola’s literary and journalistic production, the research examines the ways in which displacement influenced his narrative strategies and ideological engagement. The Dreyfus Affair, a pivotal socio-political event of the late nineteenth century, not only prompted Zola’s departure into exile but also intensified his commitment to truth, justice, and the ethical responsibility of the intellectual. The study focuses on the intertextual relationships between Zola’s "Notes from Exile” and Ernest A. Vizetelly’s "With Zola in England”, revealing how exile shaped narrative form, characterized by fragmentation, discontinuity, and ideological incoherence. Henri Mitterand’s Zola "Tom 3 – L’honneur” and Alan Plaque’s editorial work "La vérité est en marche” are used to contextualize Zola’s political engagement and the circumstances surrounding his London period. The analysis demonstrates that Vizetelly’s observations provide valuable insights into Zola’s psychological and spiritual state, shedding light on his impressions, internal dilemmas, and creative processes during exile. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how exile functioned as both a constraint and a stimulus for Zola’s literary production, emphasizing the interplay between personal experience, socio-political context, and narrative innovation. This study situates Zola’s exile within broader discussions of exile literature and intellectual responsibility, highlighting its enduring relevance for literary studies.

Authors:
Nevena Predojevic, University o Novi Sad, Serbia

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Nevena Predojević is a doctoral candidate at the Faculty of Philosophy, Republic of Serbia. Her research centers on Émile Zola’s novels. She teaches, translates from French and Russian, and publishes in peer-reviewed journals.

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