Zola's J 'Accuse Corroborate Harris' Claim?

J’Accuse is one of the greatest journalistic events of the 19th century.” – R.Harris
To what extent does an analysis of Zola’s “J’accuse” corroborate Harris’ claim?
Emile Zola’s “J’Accuse…!” was a reactionary piece of work to the Dreyfus Affair, which ‘was a miscarriage of justice that continues to evoke strong emotions in contemporary France.’ The letter had a revolutionary impact across France, Europe and arguably across the wider world; especially in the way antisemitism was discussed and the role of intellectuals in challenging hierarchical institutions. To consider the debate whether Harris’ claim that “J’Accuse is one of the greatest journalistic events of the 19th century” I will examine Zola’s impact on the ideological splits within
He was an experienced and prominent French author who had a history of being interested in defending those treated unjustly and was renowned for being polemical and a ‘left -wing critic of French society and of institutions.’ Zola’s position as an author within this political discussion enabled him to produce nuanced and eloquent manipulation of words that resulted in an evocative letter that no politician or ¬¬¬___ could have produced to the same standard and impact. Zola’s work is filled with the subtle manipulation of prose, syntax, and structure, which ultimately force the state to react to his letter. This is extremely visible in the way he addresses the president at the start of the letter, which will be discussed
While Mitterrand argues that Zola was the inevitable interventionist, this argument is too assured because Zola wasn’t involved or even interested at the beginning of the affair. In addition, Tuchman questioned, with understandable scepticism, whether Zola would have taken the same role as he did if he was in the process of writing another novel. However, while the role of Zola cannot be said to be inevitable, the pattern of his work and his past actions, as well as his person ideologies suggest that Zola was likely take an interest in the affair. For example, Zola’s passion for the truth and justice comes across strongly in the letter. Zola states throughout the letter he will, ‘Dare to tell the truth’, he ‘shall proclaim the truth’, the verbs of ‘dare’ and ‘proclaim’ are powerful and suggest a challenging tone, almost daring them to stop him. Zola’s dedication to the truth is also shown because he pledges to tell the truth and he calls it his ‘duty’, both evoking an idea of a solemn oath that he will