Have you ever heard of the Goncourt brothers? If not, it's time to meet Edmond and Jules de Goncourt, masters of French literature who left an indelible mark on the world of naturalism that the artistic elites love to adore. Who were they, you ask? Edmond was born in 1822 and Jules in 1830, both in France. Together, they became celebrated writers and influencers of the 19th century, establishing a legacy that rebels would love to dismantle. So why were these brothers so influential, and what exactly did they do that sent shockwaves through the literary world?
To put it bluntly, the Goncourt brothers were among the pioneering authors who initiated the world of naturalism in literature. Back then, the world was on the cusp of modernism and cultural upheaval. The brothers didn't just observe the world; they dissected it, laying bare the nuances and intricacies of the human condition through their poignant words. They championed a writing style that focused on minute details and the social climates of their time, shunning dramatic theatrics for sincere portrayals of life.
Their magnum opus, "Germinie Lacerteux," published in 1864, dared to expose the stark life of the working-class female, Germinie, who tries to maintain her dignity while navigating the harsh realities of her environment. This bold narrative shook the bourgeoisie and struck a nerve with those living sheltered lives in the salons of Paris. Some might say their works were a mirror held up to the face of society, depicting truths that were uncomfortable yet vital.
The Goncourts didn’t stop at novels. No, they'd shake the core of status-quo fans. They authored a wealth of other literary works including plays, art criticism, and even journalistic endeavors. Perhaps most surprisingly, they are considered eminent diarists. Their "Journal des Goncourt" provides a vivid chronicle of 19th-century French artistic society, sparing no one's blushes. It’s a candid foray into the world of famous figures like Flaubert and Zola who frequented their gatherings. When you peer into their journal, you read a tale of social tussles, egos, and passion, quite unlike any afternoon tea conversation you could imagine.
While they were true champions of literature, they weren't noted for their political correctness or reserved demeanor, which would make contemporary social commentators wince. Edmond and Jules had an edge—an articulate sharpness that dared to criticize, even ridicule the shallow posturing of art circles of their time.
It's fascinating how they posthumously created the prestigious Goncourt Prize, awarded for "the best and most imaginative prose work," an ironic twist considering today's literary awards often sound like popularity contests. Unlike others, the Goncourt Prize has managed to maintain its noble roots, still valuing substance over style, authenticity over acclaim—something everyone other than the prize-seekers would appreciate.
One could even argue the Goncourt brothers set the tone for literary realism that followed. Their legacy largely persists thanks to the nuanced realism they championed. In their wake, authors like Emile Zola took the baton and ran with it, ensuring the legacy of realism not only survived but thrived. Moreover, the brothers had an indelible influence on the depiction of women in literature—a voice seldom given strength in their era.
The narrative they followed and promoted was one where drama was not elevated over reality. The socio-cultural themes they explored were intricate, rejecting utopian idealism. Instead, readers are exposed to the gritty underbelly of society—the messy street corners that Parisian artists in the 19th century would rather skirt around.
Though the Goncourt brothers have long since passed away (Jules in 1870 and Edmond in 1896), their palpable influence lingers today. Contemporary writers owe a debt to their audacity—though few would admit it, as contrarian views often find no favor in the controlled spheres of literary acclaim. Their authenticity, their boldness in expressing what was often left unsaid, lit a beacon for artistic freedom. They may not have been popular among the pearl-clutching elite of their time or perhaps even today, with society's relentless push towards maintaining appearances. However, the Goncourt brothers stood unshakeable, committed to their ideals of unadulterated truth through literature.
Wouldn't it be something if modern writers embraced even a fraction of the Goncourts' candor? If only they dared to stand against the tide of conformism and rediscovered the value of telling it like it is, instead of what they think we want to hear.