While Rousseau's writings paved the way for a literature of intimate education, they also gave shape to the stereotypical vision of the preceptor that dominated the French literary landscape until Stendhal.
In an age of slogans and elusive attention spans, the short sentence is a must. They click, hit and sell. And yet, some spaces resist. In the meanders of literature, language catches its breath.
It's no surprise that literary critics devour tons of books. However, in this chronicle, the one who devours the object of his work is not him, but a modest, intrepid employee of a car junkyard.
Since Flaubert, love scenes in carriages have become a classic of French literature. Proust's use of this device to describe sexual relations shows both the interest and the limits of the famous fiacre scene.
Ramuz, Rousseau and Hesse all share an interest in how the individual tries to live in a society where he sometimes feels like an outsider. An attempt to heroize these three great Swiss authors, who see nature as a source of authenticity.
Every month, our literary critic puts a work through a kaleidoscope, collecting the images it projects and reconstructing their diffractions. Even if the flashes of genius turn out to be shards of glass.
Chateaubriand no longer appeals to young people. Yet the political impact of his writings was considerable in the 19th century, so much so that he was long considered one of the beacons of rebellious youth. His style, which today is a little off-putting, had a lot to do with it.
Every month, our literary critic puts a work through a kaleidoscope, collecting the images it projects and reconstructing their diffractions. Even if the flashes of genius turn out to be shards of glass.
In his column, the former Federal Councillor shares a book that has left a lasting impression on him. This month, he comments on Andrei Makine's latest novel.
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