LA DEBACLE, 14 da'bild', (
tures of the defense of the plateau of Illy, culminating in the magnificent but hopeless cav alry charge, and of the horrors of Sedan, are among the most powerful in literature. The i effect s' heightened by the author's objective treatment, his apparent indifference to the ruin of his country Here the patriot, as Zola cer tainly was, is subordinate to the artist, as he shows himself to be in this his masterpiece. Whatever th - reader's attitude toward "natural ism," it is doubtful if the naturalistic method could be carried farther than in 'La Debacle' or applied with more telling effect. And what ever the future fate of ""Zolaism,* it is probable that this arch example of the method, presenting so graphic a picture of a fateful epoch, is secure of a permanent place in literature.