Chateaubriand

by Jules Lemaître

"Chateaubriand" by Jules Lemaître is a literary biography written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the life and legacy of the French writer François-Auguste de Chateaubriand, touching upon his childhood, formative experiences, and early influences that shaped his romantic style and philosophical inquiries. Lemaître provides an exploration of Chateaubriand's unique position bridging the Old Regime and the Revolution, illustrating his significance to French literature and the Romantic movement. The beginning of "Chateaubriand" presents a vibrant description of the titular character's early years, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of his life. Lemaître paints a portrait of a sensitive and imaginative child born in Saint-Malo, whose tumultuous childhood was marked by a lack of parental love and a profound sense of melancholy. Chateaubriand grapples with feelings of alienation and sadness, finding solace in nature and the early stirrings of literature. The narrative foreshadows future conflicts and passions in his life, hinting at the revolutionary spirit of the times that would shape both his personal and literary journey.