Hugo, Shakespeare et l'enseignement des langues vivantes

Abstract

After reviewing the thematic and stylistic affinities between Hugo and Shakespeare, especially in the area of drama, this essay demonstrates how the former's admiration of his English predecessor helped advance the cause of free public education in France during the nineteenth century. At the same time, it proves that within that general cause an even more specific goal was met, to wit, the advancement of the teaching of modern foreign languages, specifically English. As a result, Hugo's predilection for Shakespeare's language must be seen not just as a matter of personal taste, but as a conscious or, perhaps, unconscious strategy to change public policy and reform the French educational system. This early champion of a "United States of Europe" is therefore finally understood as having at least partially contributed to the increasingly hegemonic influence of Anglo-American culture throughout the West since his time. (In French) (SM and RMY)