Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 5. The Romantic School in France

"Main Currents in Nineteenth Century Literature - 5. The Romantic School in France" by Georg Brandes is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume explores the evolution of literature in France during the Romantic period, particularly focusing on the social, political, and artistic influences that shaped writers like Victor Hugo, George Sand, and Alfred de Musset. The book likely delves into how these writers reacted to the cultural climate following the upheavals of the French Revolution and the rise of the bourgeoisie, as well as their struggles against established literary conventions. The opening of this work provides a rich backdrop to the Romantic School in France, detailing the political landscape from 1825 to 1835. Brandes discusses how the young generation of writers sought to express their individualistic ideals amid the political reactions that marked the reign of Louis Philippe. The literature of this time is presented as a passionate reaction against the dreary bourgeois materialism of their era, characterized by a longing for artistic liberty and vibrancy. Brandes illustrates the broader context of their struggles against both societal constraints and the artistic conventions of the previous classical period, setting the stage for the emergence of their unique voices and themes.