Abstract
In the 19th century, Francophone and Flemish authors pursued the same goal viz. to provide the young state with a Belgian literature. Whereas Flemish literature managed to affirm itself rather quickly, Francophone writers experienced more difficulties to respond to the Romantic Movement’s demand for a national literature which reflected the Volksgeist. It was necessary to create — in French — a literature which would be distinct from the literature in France. This could only be accomplished by falling back on Belgian themes which were essentially Flemish. This led to a symbolic deficit on the Francophone side. While making use of the Flemish veins the generation of 1880 acquired international renown and made a considerable contribution to the legitimation of Belgium.
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