Walter Benjamin's analysis of the relationship between literature and the press during the Second Empire reveals several implications for understanding the literary and cultural landscape of the time:
Commercialization: Benjamin highlights the commercialization of literature, particularly through serialized novels and feuilletons, which led to a proliferation of literary works and a shift from periodicals to newspapers as the primary source of literary content.
Market Influence: The high fees paid for feuilletons and serialized novels led to corruption, as publishers exploited the names of successful authors. This influenced the content and quality of literature, as it became more market-driven.
Literary Corruption: The analysis shows how literature was used for political purposes, with authors' reputations exploited for political careers. This indicates the intertwining of literature and politics during the period.
Urbanization and Modernity: Benjamin's focus on the flâneur and the detective story underscores the urbanization and modernity of the period, reflecting the changing nature of city life and the individual's place within it.
Technological Impact: The rise of photography and other technologies influenced literature and culture, as seen in the decline of miniature portraitists and the increasing importance of visual media.
Cultural Critique: Benjamin's analysis provides a critical perspective on the literary and cultural landscape of the Second Empire, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of the period, including the tension between tradition and modernity, and the role of literature in reflecting and shaping society.