Realism and Revolution
Balzac, Stendhal, Zola, and the Performances of History
by Sandy Petrey
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Discussion questions for Realism and Revolution
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- 1
Petrey argues that "the expression of a truth depends on the same collective forces necessary to change a regime." How does he build this central thesis, and where did you find his evidence from either literary analysis or historical context most persuasive?
- 2
How does Sandy Petrey's application of J.L. Austin's concept of "speech acts" fundamentally alter or deepen our understanding of what 19th-century French realism was trying to achieve?
- 3
Petrey analyzes the techniques of representation in works by Balzac, Stendhal, and Zola. Which specific literary example or authorial strategy discussed in the book best illustrated his overall thesis for you, and why?
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