Podcast Episode Summary: The History of Literature – Episode 707: Emile Zola, Graham Greene's Only Ghost Story, and Irina Mashinsky's Last Book Choice

Release Date: June 9, 2025

Hosts and Guests:

• Host: Jack Wilson
• Guest: Robert Lethbridge, Life Fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, and Emeritus Professor of French Language and Literature at the University of London
• Segment Guest: Irina Mashinsky, Russian American poet and essayist

1. Graham Greene's Only Ghost Story

Jack Wilson opens the episode by delving into a recently uncovered piece by the esteemed British author Graham Greene. Described as an "eerie gem" by The Guardian ([00:41]), this newfound ghost story was published in the revival of the Strand Magazine in Michigan, which is renowned for unearthing lost works by famous authors. Alongside Greene's story, the magazine also features a lesser-known tale by Ian Fleming.

Key Points:

• Greene’s foray into the supernatural is considered his "only published foray into the world of the supernatural" ([05:15]).
• The story intertwines the protagonist’s fear of ghostly tales with actual mysterious occurrences, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
• The discovery underscores the breadth of Greene's literary exploration, extending beyond his well-known novels such as The Third Man and The End of the Affair.

2. In-Depth Discussion on Emile Zola with Robert Lethbridge

Early Life and Context ([10:44] - [15:10])

Robert Lethbridge provides a comprehensive overview of Emile Zola's upbringing amidst the political turbulence of 19th-century France. Born in 1840, Zola's childhood was marked by his father's untimely death when Zola was just six, plunging the family into severe debt and financial instability. This early hardship fueled Zola's determination to escape poverty and influenced his lifelong quest for father figures in his literary works.

Notable Quote:

"Zola's entire life and work are, in a sense, determined by the context of political and social instability he was born into." — Robert Lethbridge [12:07]

Educational Struggles and Friendship with Cezanne ([16:12] - [18:23])

Zola's academic journey was fraught with challenges. Despite winning prizes for French composition, he failed his baccalaureate twice due to struggling with the science stream, which effectively ended his formal education. His poignant friendship with the painter Paul Cézanne, who was a year his senior, remained significant until ideological differences during the Dreyfus Affair drove them apart.

Notable Quote:

"The Dreyfus Affair created an enormous split between Zola and Cezanne, reflecting deeper political and ideological rifts in French society." — Robert Lethbridge [17:53]

Literary Career and the Rougon-Macquart Series ([18:40] - [33:49])

Zola began his career in journalism before transitioning to fiction. Inspired by Honoré de Balzac, Zola embarked on his ambitious Rougon-Macquart series, initially planning ten novels but expanding to twenty. This cycle aimed to provide a comprehensive examination of French society under the Second Empire, employing naturalism to depict the deterministic forces shaping human behavior.

Notable Quote:

"Zola planned his Rougon-Macquart series to portray every aspect of modern society, influenced by his belief in determinism and the material realities of his time." — Robert Lethbridge [22:13]

The Dreyfus Affair and Its Impact ([36:25] - [42:19])

The Dreyfus Affair, a pivotal moment in Zola's life, saw him take a brave stand by authoring the open letter "J'Accuse," which condemned the wrongful conviction of Alfred Dreyfus. This act of defiance led to Zola's trial for defamation, his subsequent exile to England, and a lasting impact on his literary legacy. The affair polarized French society and influenced the reception of Zola's work for decades.

Notable Quote:

"The Dreyfus Affair is what Zola is best remembered for, and it fundamentally altered how his literature was perceived, leading to his temporary ostracization from the academic establishment." — Robert Lethbridge [36:41]

Writing Style and Legacy ([42:19] - [50:24])

Lethbridge discusses the dual meaning behind the subtitle of his book, "Emile Zola: A Determined Life." Zola's writing was both shaped by the deterministic philosophies of his time and driven by his personal resolve to succeed despite adversities. His works, particularly L'Assommoir and Germinal, are lauded for their unflinching portrayal of the working class and their influence on the realist movement in literature.

Notable Quote:

"Zola's writing is carefully balanced between a pessimistic analysis of society and an optimistic belief in the possibility of progress through education and science." — Robert Lethbridge [44:34]

Recommendations for New Readers ([49:21] - [50:19])

For those new to Zola, Lethbridge recommends starting with L'Assommoir and Germinal, highlighting their accessibility and profound impact on modern literature. He emphasizes the universal themes and compelling narratives that make these works exemplary within Zola’s oeuvre.

Notable Quote:

"L'Assommoir is an epic of modern literature and one of the finest novels ever written in France." — Robert Lethbridge [50:04]

3. Irina Mashinsky on Her Last Book Choice

In a poignant segment, Irina Mashinsky reflects on the profound question of selecting a last book to read. She chooses to reread her cherished collection from the black market in the 1970s, particularly favoring works by Osip Mandelstam and Boris Pasternak. Her selection underscores the enduring power of poetry to evoke deep emotions and the magic of life, even in translated forms.

Notable Quote:

"There is this magic, an absolutely unexplainable feeling that life is joyous despite everything, found in the way Pasternak and Mandelstam compose their verses." — Irina Mashinsky [54:17]

She acknowledges the challenges of capturing the essence of original poetry in translation but expresses confidence that the emotional resonance remains impactful for readers.

Notable Quote:

"Even in translation, the magic of Mandelstam's and Pasternak's poetry can profoundly move you." — Irina Mashinsky [55:33]

Conclusion

Episode 707 of The History of Literature offers a rich exploration of Emile Zola's life and legacy through the insightful discourse of Robert Lethbridge. Additionally, the episode touches upon lesser-known works by Graham Greene and culminates with a heartfelt reflection from Irina Mashinsky on the significance of literary choices in our lives. This episode serves as an invaluable resource for both literature enthusiasts and newcomers seeking to deepen their understanding of influential literary figures and their enduring impact.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Zola's entire life and work are, in a sense, determined by the context of political and social instability he was born into.” — Robert Lethbridge [12:07]

• “The Dreyfus Affair created an enormous split between Zola and Cezanne, reflecting deeper political and ideological rifts in French society.” — Robert Lethbridge [17:53]

• “Zola planned his Rougon-Macquart series to portray every aspect of modern society, influenced by his belief in determinism and the material realities of his time.” — Robert Lethbridge [22:13]

• “The Dreyfus Affair is what Zola is best remembered for, and it fundamentally altered how his literature was perceived, leading to his temporary ostracization from the academic establishment.” — Robert Lethbridge [36:41]

• “Zola's writing is carefully balanced between a pessimistic analysis of society and an optimistic belief in the possibility of progress through education and science.” — Robert Lethbridge [44:34]

• “L'Assommoir is an epic of modern literature and one of the finest novels ever written in France.” — Robert Lethbridge [50:04]

• “There is this magic, an absolutely unexplainable feeling that life is joyous despite everything, found in the way Pasternak and Mandelstam compose their verses.” — Irina Mashinsky [54:17]

• “Even in translation, the magic of Mandelstam's and Pasternak's poetry can profoundly move you.” — Irina Mashinsky [55:33]