Aspects de la conversion (1790-1800)

Abstract

Edouard Guitton : Aspects of conversion at the turn of the Century. Leaving aside concepts of pre-romanticism and neoclassicism, this study isolates a phenomenon which was an important aspect of mentalities between 1790 and 1800 — that of conversion. We consider its historical, psychological, political and religious aspects, as well as its literary manifestations. Using convergent analyses, and without claiming to be exhaustive, this article attempts to throw light on this intellectual transformation in France at the turn of the century. In particular, it takes as examples La Harpe, André Chénier, the Ideologues, Delille, Joseph de Maistre, Mme de Staël, Chateaubriand ; the cases of Joubert and Maine de Biran are left for a later development.