Love, Desire and Transcendence in French Literature

Deciphering Eros

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Love, Desire and Transcendence in French Literature by Paul Gifford, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Paul Gifford ISBN: 9781351921251
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: December 5, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Paul Gifford
ISBN: 9781351921251
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: December 5, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

European literature and theory of the twentieth century have been intensely preoccupied with questions of 'Desire', whereas 'love' has increasingly represented a fractured and strange, if not actually suspect, proposal: this is a prime symptom of an age of deep cultural mutation and uncertainty. Paul Gifford's book allows this considerable contemporary phenomenon to be observed steadily and whole, with strategic understanding of its origins, nature and meaning. Gifford paints a clear and coherent picture of the evolution of erotic ideas and their imaginary and formal expressions in modern French writing. He first retraces the formative matrix of French tradition by engaging with five classic sources: Plato's Symposium, the Song of Songs, the myth of Genesis, the tension between Greek Eros and Christian Agape and the repercussions of Nietzsche's declaration of the 'death of God'. Modern variations on these perennial problematics are then pursued in ten chapters devoted to Proust, Valéry, Claudel, Breton, Bataille, Duras, Barthes, Irigarary, Emmanuel, Kristeva. Literary and theoretical perspectives are perfectly blended in his study of these attempts at 'deciphering Eros'. The book will appeal not only to students of French literature, but to all those interested in the cultural upheavals of the twentieth century.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

European literature and theory of the twentieth century have been intensely preoccupied with questions of 'Desire', whereas 'love' has increasingly represented a fractured and strange, if not actually suspect, proposal: this is a prime symptom of an age of deep cultural mutation and uncertainty. Paul Gifford's book allows this considerable contemporary phenomenon to be observed steadily and whole, with strategic understanding of its origins, nature and meaning. Gifford paints a clear and coherent picture of the evolution of erotic ideas and their imaginary and formal expressions in modern French writing. He first retraces the formative matrix of French tradition by engaging with five classic sources: Plato's Symposium, the Song of Songs, the myth of Genesis, the tension between Greek Eros and Christian Agape and the repercussions of Nietzsche's declaration of the 'death of God'. Modern variations on these perennial problematics are then pursued in ten chapters devoted to Proust, Valéry, Claudel, Breton, Bataille, Duras, Barthes, Irigarary, Emmanuel, Kristeva. Literary and theoretical perspectives are perfectly blended in his study of these attempts at 'deciphering Eros'. The book will appeal not only to students of French literature, but to all those interested in the cultural upheavals of the twentieth century.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Reconstructing Practical Theology by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Reclaiming Reading by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book New Orleans and the Design Moment by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Gender, Sex and Sexuality by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Performing Masculinity in English University Drama, 1598-1636 by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book What a Girl Wants? by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book The Texts in Elementary Classrooms by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Cultural Theory: The Key Concepts by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Education and Disability in Cross-Cultural Perspective by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Deaf and Hearing Persons with Language and Learning Challenges by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Sex Working and the Bible by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book The Trials of Frances Howard by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Twyford Down by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Rise of the Plebeians? by Paul Gifford
Cover of the book Medical Anthropology in Europe by Paul Gifford
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy