Émile Édouard Charles Antoine Zola, born in Paris on April 2, 1840, and deceased on September 29, 1902, was a pivotal figure in French literature and political liberalization. He is best known as a novelist, journalist, and playwright, distinguishing himself as the foremost exponent of the literary school of naturalism. Zola's work significantly contributed to the development of theatrical naturalism.

Zola's novels, part of the 20-volume series Les Rougon-Macquart, explored the socioeconomic conditions of France during the Second Empire, delving into themes such as violence, alcoholism, and prostitution. These works were characterized by their attention to detail and were both celebrated and censured for their candid representation of society's underbelly.

His involvement in the Dreyfus Affair, particularly through his open letter J'Accuse…!, underscored his commitment to justice and led to his temporary exile. Zola's advocacy for Alfred Dreyfus, a wrongfully accused army officer, was instrumental in Dreyfus' exoneration. Throughout his career, Zola was a vocal proponent of political liberalization in France, earning nominations for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1901 and 1902.