Classic French literature has helped shape many of today's plays, films and even genres of modern literature. Victor Hugo penned several novels and plays throughout his life. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1831) is his most widely recognized novel, which carefully depicts the infamous Gothic-style Notre Dame cathedral in 15th century Paris. Contrary to the popular 1996 animated Disney film, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," the characters in the novel are secondary to the architecture and observations of the city itself. Perhaps even more popular than "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" was Hugo's play "Les Miserables" (1862), which instantly sparked questions of social morality and legislation for people across Europe. The website of the "Les Miserables" musical (see Resources section) boasts that, in 2009, "Les Miserables" became the longest running musical of all time, spanning 24 years since its debut in 1985.
Jules Verne helped pioneer what is now known as science fiction with his novels "Around the World in 80 Days" (1873) and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" (1869). According to Online Literature, through Verne's discussion of futuristic travel (hot-air balloons) and technological advancements (skyscrapers, the use of helium for travel) beyond his time, Verne helped create the sci-fi genre because he was a visionary of what society would someday find commonplace. Verne's characters and novels have influenced pop culture and fiction alike across the world.
Alexander Dumas (1802–1870) is a literary giant, having written some of the best known novels of all time. Some of Dumas's most notable works include: "The Three Musketeers," "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "Man in the Iron Mask"—all of which have had numerous film adaptations over the years. Dumas wrote works of historical fiction with legendary characters and questions of morality that are still used today in works of fantasy and historical fiction. Like many authors, Dumas used his works to clarify his viewpoint on the importance of leading a wholesome, moral life. This is especially true in the case of his female characters, many of which were greatly influenced by the fate of his mother's life as a common dressmaker and mistress to Dumas's father.
Modern French literature continues to examine our everyday lives and moral standings. Emile Zola (1840–1902) is noted as the founder of the naturalist movement in literature, which focuses on observing things as they are. One of the most popular of Zola’s novels is titled "L’Assommoir" (The Drunkard), published in 1877. As the title suggests, this novel explores alcoholism and is a prime example of how Zola’s work gained him notoriety by discussing matters that were issues of everyday significance for many people. The tribute website Emilezola.org notes that "The Drunkard" is part of his Rougon-Macquart Cycle, which also included his novels Nana (1880) and Germinal (1885).
Albert Camus (1913–1960) was a novelist and an existentialist philosopher who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957. Existential philosophy examines how humans exist and how we try to manipulate our environment to alter or explain our existence. Camus was a close friend of existentialist philosopher Jean Paul Sarte until a difference in political viewpoints strained their relationship beyond repair. Camus's best known novel, "The Stranger," examines one man's struggle to come to terms with the death of his own mother while unknowingly making drastic decisions that would ultimately impact the remainder of his life.