French literature in the 1800s - Essay Example

This research will begin with the statement that literary historians have always made a distinction between each age by highlighting certain specific features and characteristics most natural to a particular era. Whatever the genuine trends in the literature of a given period are, these cannot be observed in isolation without understanding the political and social factors existing at that time. Hence these influences cannot be contained within the framework of any particular era, for they will transgress the divide; borrowing something from the past and lending something to the future.

While considering the 19th-century French literature, one will find certain elements, which are on the brink of extinction, yet existing in continuity to the 18th century. Thus to say any age is absolutely immune to the influence of preceding ages is unrealistic. The topical discussion of the 19th century French novels requires an essential awareness of the undercurrents of social, political, and religious factors that fashioned life in general during that time. The 18th-century French literature has made a deep impression on the world literature, giving rise to a new movement called ‘Romanticism’.

There came a large body of literary books in Europe and America extolling the values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity propagated by French Revolution. Rousseau became a major impetus who placed individual as central in all social situations. In his view what evolves in any society stems from the individuals constituting its community.