Montaigne and the quality of mercy
Subtitle: ethical and political themes in the Essais
By: David Quint.
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Princeton, N.J
Language: eng
Number of pages: 172
Subjects: Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592.; Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592 -- Ethics.; Montaigne, Michel de, 1533-1592 -- Political and social views.
Description: In a fresh reading of Montaigne's Essais, David Quint portrays the great Renaissance writer as both a literary man and a deeply engaged political thinker concerned with the ethical basis of society and civil discourse. From the first essay, Montaigne places the reader in a world of violent political conflict reminiscent of the French Wars of Religion through which he lived and wrote.

Quint shows how a group of interrelated essays, including the famous one on the cannibals of Brazil, explore the confrontation between warring adversaries: a clement or vindictive victor and his suppliant or defiant captive. How can the two be reconciled? In a climate of hatred and obstinacy, Montaigne argues not only for the political necessity but also for the moral imperative of trusting and submitting to others and of extending mercy to them.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [145]-167) and index.