The Novel of the 1930s: The Human Condition and the Meaning of Life

3 units

Most French novelists of the 1930's were no longer satisfied simply to entertain their readers, to bring formal innovations to their writing, to depict society, or to represent human consciousness. Economic transformations, technological advances, and the unspeakable horrors of WWI challenged traditional beliefs. Authors therefore dedicated themselves to examining the human condition and the meaning of life. In this seminar we will read five major novels of the period by Saint-Exupéry, Mauriac, Malraux, Céline, and Sartre. We will determine how each author approaches the fundamental questions of human existence and what, if any, answers he provides. Prereq: Fr 325 and 326 (or, for students who have completed the Paris Business Program, completion of either course). One-hour preceptorial required for undergraduates.