Following in the steps of the 1789 Revolution, the nineteenth century is a period of political turmoil, characterized by a succession of political regimes. It is a time of economic development and of scientific discoveries. Two authors, Balzac and Flaubert, bear witness to the social changes of their time. We will examine the way in which they attempt to represent their reality as objectively as possible, without embellishing it. The twentieth century has been profoundly touched by two World Wars, colonial wars and political divisions of all sorts.
Many authors reflect upon the meaning of life in a world where destruction has been prevalent.
In this class, we will read Gide, a moralist in search of individual freedom, and Camus who demonstrates the absurdity of the human condition and yet refuses to resign himself to the Absurd.