eir lyricism and vivid imagery. The aesthetics were more concerned with form and structure and sought to perfect them in literature. Aesthetic works are marked by exacting and accurate detail, objectivity, and many of the characteristics of naturalism. However, the difference between aestheticism and naturalism is more in intent of the principles and techniques used than in method: “In technique, [Flaubert’s] work is marked by exactness and accuracy of observation, extreme impersonality and objectivity, and extraordinary balance and precision of style. But his precise, careful portrayal of object and event, although naturalistic in method, was not naturalistic in aim. Flaubert’s concern was to create reality through the art of exact selection and the chiseled perfection of his style” (Murphy 354). Zola’s aim was to catalyze the social reforms he found necessary, which developed into a Christian socialism in his later literary works.
In Flaubert’s Sentimental Education and Zola’s Germinal we are able to compare and contrast aestheticism and naturalism even though the methods and styles are very similar. It is the intent and the aim of the works that allows us to appreciate the difference between Zola’s zeal for social reform and justice and Flaubert’s art for art’s sake, though both employ the principles and techniques of naturalism to a considerable degree. The analysis will give a general overview of each novel, followed by a comparison of the men and women in each. For Flaubert, his minutely descriptive method was justified by the principles of aestheticism while Zola used his technique and chose his subject matter to promote social reform and justice. While both author’s have a style and technique that overlap the boundaries of aestheticism and naturalism, we will see how it is in the author’s intent these two works differ.
Germinal is part of Emile Zola’s twenty novel series, Les Rougon-M...