The Idea of Order in French Classical Literature

FAIN: FB-10536-70

Erica Harth
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA 02453-2728)

Study of idea of order in French classical literature, particularly in the writings of Pascal, Descartes, Racine, Corneille. French classicism has long been characterized by the prevalence of "order" both in style and as major idea. Fellow's basic premise is that the various notions of order expressed in 17th centry French literature may be viewed as differing response to a fundamental disorder affecting all areas of the society. Emerging philosophical and scientific concepts posed a direct threat to the authority of Church and State and to that of the authors of classical antiquity.