Ebook: The Use of Abuse

Analyzes the quite similar rhetorical devices used by anti-Dreyfusards and Dreyfusards. Points out that antisemitism was only one theme in the polemics, and that there were antisemites who were Dreyfusards and Jews who were on the opposing side. The anti-Dreyfusards accused a Jewish "Syndicat" of plotting to free Dreyfus; the Dreyfusards suspected an antisemitic and anti-Republican Jesuit plot. Anti-Dreyfusards freely used antisemitic epithets, often comparing Jews to animals; but Dreyfusards also used them when attacking Jewish anti-Dreyfusards such as Arthur Meyer. Urbain Gohier, a left-wing antisemite, supported the Dreyfusard cause because it was antimilitary and anti-clerical; he accused the anti-Dreyfusards of being in league with Jewish capital. Among the writers analyzed in greater detail is Emile Zola, who refuted the "Syndicat" allegation and wrote a series of articles against the antisemitic passions released by the Affair.