What is special about French literature?
For centuries, French literature has been an object of national pride for French people, and it has been one of the most influential components of the literature of Europe. The French language is a Romance language derived from Latin and heavily influenced principally by Celtic and Frankish.
How is French literature different from English literature?
French literature has exquisite taste, style, gravity (mock-serious and grand), but when it comes time to be serious, to sit down and be really seriously serious, they come across as play-actors. English literature, in the last analysis, is distinguished by other literatures by its delightful vulgarity.
Should I study French literature?
Others enjoy exploring the rich literary, historical and cultural traditions of the French-speaking world. Some just fall in love. French is the second most useful language in the world for business. Studying French makes you smarter.
When French literature evolved?
The version of French tradition that began in the 17th century and has established itself in the cultural histories and the schoolbooks was given fresh force in the early 20th century by the philosopher-poet Paul Valéry and, especially, his English admirers in the context of the political and cultural struggle with …
What are the general characteristics of French literature of the eighteenth century?
In common with a similar movement in England at the same time, the writers of 18th century France were critical, skeptical and innovative. Their lasting contributions were the ideas of liberty, toleration, humanitarianism, equality, and progress, which became the ideals of modern western democracy.
Who was a French literature figure?
French literature from the first half of the century was dominated by Romanticism, which is associated with such authors as Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, père, François-René de Chateaubriand, Alphonse de Lamartine, Gérard de Nerval, Charles Nodier, Alfred de Musset, Théophile Gautier and Alfred de Vigny.
What was the major result of French Revolution?
The Revolution led to the establishment of a democratic government for the first time in Europe. Feudalism as an institution was buried by the Revolution, and the Church and the clergy were brought under State control. It led to the eventual rise of Napoleon Bonaparte as the Emperor of France.
Which author’s essay are considered the literary high mark of the French Renaissance?
Michel de Montaigne
The French Renaissance was rich in a whole body of moral, literary, philological and philosophical writing. Michel de Montaigne was the first essayist of modern times (The Essays) and a remarkable writer on the human condition.