Wobec Zoli

Abstract

The article re-evaluates the dominating view of the clearly negative relationship between two writers, Sienkiewicz and Zola. It presents the implications of Sienkiewicz’s 1878 visit to France, and further, it reconstructs his opinions that chronologically coincided with Zola’s greatest popularity. The text provides an analysis of Sienkiwicz’s remarks on Zola’s style, and it proves further that his naturalism did, in fact, help Sienkiewicz develop his own literary technique. Finally, the Polish author’s long-term interest in Zola’s writing certainly demonstrates his fascination with this famous literary persona.