[f. the name Zola + -ISM.] The literary manner characteristic of the French novelist Émile Zola (1840–1902), whose works are marked by an excessively realistic trentment of the coarser sides of human life. So Zolaesque a., characteristic of or resembling the style of Zola; Zolaist, one who studies or approves of the writings of Zola (hence Zolaistic a.); Zolaize v. intr., to imitate or follow the style of Zola; trans. to make like Zola.
1886. Pall Mall Gaz., 14 July, 5/2. Mr. Moore’s *Zolaesque search for characteristic phrases has led him into some startling extravagances.
1903. in Gayley, Repr. Engl. Com., I. 387. The mean circumstances of his Bohemian career, and the terribly brutal, Zolaesque scene of his death-chamber.
1882. Athenæum, 30 Dec., 875/3. A particular form of *Zolaism, much in vogue at this moment.
1886. Tennyson, Locksley Hall 60 Yrs. After, 145. Set the maiden fancies wallowing in the troughs of Zolaism.
1886. Athenæum, 30 Jan., 161/2. Even the *Zolaist has to remember that ‘art is art because it is not nature.’ Ibid., 161/3. The French critics either of the Hugoistic or the *Zolaistic persuasion. Ibid., 2 July, 13/3. The *Zolaizing novel of Paul Lindau, ‘Arme Mädchen.’
1901. Literature, 30 March, 234/2. I do not mean that M. Roz has Zolaized Mr. Hardy.
