Classicism, or “le classicisme,” is a literary movement that emerged in the 17th century, inspired by the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Central to Classicism are principles of harmony, clarity, and restraint. The vocabulary of Classicism often includes words such as:

La bienséance: This term refers to the notion of propriety and decorum. In classical literature, characters must behave in ways that are socially acceptable and appropriate to their status.

L’unité: This word means “unity” and is crucial in the context of the “three unities” (les trois unités) in classical drama: unity of time, place, and action.

La vraisemblance: This term signifies verisimilitude or the appearance of truth. In classical literature, events must be believable and realistic, even if they are fictional.

Le héros/La héroïne: The hero or heroine in classical literature is often a noble figure, embodying virtues like honor and courage.

La tragédie: This is the genre of tragedy, characterized by serious themes and often ending in catastrophe.

The Enlightenment (18th Century)

The Enlightenment, or “le Siècle des Lumières,” was a period of intellectual and cultural growth that emphasized reason, science, and individualism. The vocabulary of this movement often involves terms related to knowledge and progress:

La raison: Reason is a fundamental concept in Enlightenment thought, emphasizing logical thinking and evidence-based understanding.

Le progrès: Progress refers to the idea of moving forward and improving society through knowledge and reform.

La liberté: Liberty is a key theme, especially in political and philosophical texts, advocating for individual freedom and rights.

Le philosophe: Philosophers during this period were thinkers who used reason to question traditional beliefs and advocate for societal improvements.

Le salon: Salons were social gatherings where intellectuals discussed literature, philosophy, and politics, often hosted by influential women of the time.

Romanticism (19th Century)

Romanticism, or “le romantisme,” emerged as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment, focusing instead on emotion, nature, and individual experience. The vocabulary of Romanticism often includes words related to feelings and imagination:

Le sentiment: Sentiment or feeling is central to Romantic literature, emphasizing personal emotions and experiences.

La nature: Nature is a common theme, often depicted as a source of inspiration and solace.

Le moi: The self or individual is a key focus, with an emphasis on personal expression and introspection.

Le sublime: The sublime refers to experiences that evoke awe and wonder, often through the beauty and power of nature.

La mélancolie: Melancholy or sadness is a recurring theme, reflecting the Romantic fascination with the darker aspects of human experience.

Realism (19th Century)

Realism, or “le réalisme,” sought to depict life accurately and truthfully, focusing on everyday experiences and social issues. The vocabulary of Realism often includes terms related to observation and detail:

Le quotidien: The everyday or daily life is a central focus, depicting ordinary people and events.

La précision: Precision or accuracy is crucial in describing characters, settings, and situations in detail.

La société: Society is often examined critically, highlighting social structures and inequalities.

Le personnage: Characters in realist literature are typically complex and multi-dimensional, reflecting real human behavior.

La documentation: Documentation involves thorough research and factual accuracy, often used to support the realistic portrayal of events and settings.

Naturalism (Late 19th Century)

Naturalism, or “le naturalisme,” is an extension of Realism, influenced by scientific theories such as Darwinism. It emphasizes the role of environment and heredity in shaping human behavior. The vocabulary of Naturalism often includes terms related to science and determinism:

Le déterminisme: Determinism is the idea that human behavior is shaped by external forces, such as environment and genetics.

La hérédité: Heredity refers to the genetic inheritance that influences an individual’s characteristics and behavior.

Le milieu: The environment or social setting plays a crucial role in shaping characters and their actions.

Le roman expérimental: The experimental novel is a form of naturalist literature that applies scientific methods to the study of human behavior.

La fatalité: Fate or inevitability is a common theme, reflecting the naturalist belief in the power of external forces over individual will.

Symbolism (Late 19th Century)

Symbolism, or “le symbolisme,” emerged as a reaction against Realism and Naturalism, focusing on the spiritual and mystical aspects of human experience. The vocabulary of Symbolism often includes terms related to symbolism and metaphysics:

Le symbole: Symbols are central to this movement, representing deeper meanings and abstract concepts.

Le mystère: Mystery or enigma is a key theme, emphasizing the unknown and the supernatural.

La poésie: Poetry is the preferred genre, often using rich and evocative language to convey symbolic meanings.

Le rêve: Dreams are a common motif, reflecting the symbolic exploration of the unconscious mind.

L’âme: The soul or spirit is often depicted as a source of deeper truths and insights.

Surrealism (20th Century)

Surrealism, or “le surréalisme,” sought to transcend reality by exploring the unconscious mind and the world of dreams. The vocabulary of Surrealism often includes terms related to the irrational and the fantastical:

L’inconscient: The unconscious mind is a central focus, exploring hidden desires and thoughts.

Le rêve: Dreams are a key theme, often used to access deeper layers of the psyche.

L’automatisme: Automatism refers to the technique of automatic writing or drawing, allowing the unconscious mind to express itself without rational control.

Le merveilleux: The marvelous or fantastical is often depicted, blending reality with imagination.

La révolte: Revolt or rebellion is a common theme, challenging traditional norms and conventions.

Existentialism (20th Century)

Existentialism, or “l’existentialisme,” is a philosophical and literary movement that explores themes of existence, freedom, and individual choice. The vocabulary of Existentialism often includes terms related to philosophy and self-determination:

L’existence: Existence is a central concept, emphasizing the individual’s experience of being.

La liberté: Freedom is a key theme, highlighting the individual’s ability to make choices and shape their own destiny.

Le choix: Choice is crucial, reflecting the existential belief in personal responsibility and decision-making.

L’angoisse: Anguish or anxiety is often depicted, reflecting the existential struggle with meaning and purpose.

L’absurde: The absurd refers to the inherent meaninglessness of life, a common theme in existential literature.

Postmodernism (Late 20th Century)

Postmodernism, or “le postmodernisme,” is a broad and diverse movement that challenges traditional narratives and structures, often through parody, pastiche, and fragmentation. The vocabulary of Postmodernism often includes terms related to deconstruction and intertextuality:

La déconstruction: Deconstruction is a critical approach that seeks to unravel and question established meanings and interpretations.

Le pastiche: Pastiche involves imitating and blending different styles and genres, often with a sense of playfulness.

L’intertextualité: Intertextuality refers to the relationship between texts, emphasizing the interconnectedness of literature and culture.

La métanarration: Metanarration involves self-reflexive storytelling, where the text comments on its own creation and structure.

Le simulacre: Simulacrum refers to an imitation or representation that becomes more real than the original, a common theme in postmodern literature.

Conclusion

Understanding the vocabulary of French literary movements is essential for any language learner interested in delving into French literature. Each movement has its unique set of terms and concepts that reflect its themes and stylistic approaches. By familiarizing yourself with this vocabulary, you’ll gain deeper insights into the texts and the cultural contexts in which they were created.

Whether you’re reading the classical tragedies of Racine, the philosophical essays of Voltaire, the romantic poetry of Hugo, or the existential novels of Sartre, a strong grasp of the relevant vocabulary will enhance your appreciation and analysis of these works. So immerse yourself in the rich linguistic and literary heritage of France, and let the words guide you through the fascinating world of French literature.