Mme de Staël, De l'Allemagne

Question 1

What is the focus of Mme de Staël regarding Europe and its cultural market?

Answer 1

Mme de Staël addresses Europeans in general, emphasizing the cultural market of Europe and the distinctions between French and German cultures.

Question 2

What paradox does Mme de Staël discuss regarding foreign literature and French nationalism?

Answer 2

Mme de Staël explores the paradox of how foreign literature can contribute to French nationalism, highlighting the contrasting elements of rationalism in France and romanticism in Germany.

Question 3

What does Mme de Staël assert about French poetry and its distribution among the people?

Answer 3

Mme de Staël states, “La poésie française étant le plus classique de toutes les poésies modernes, elle est la seule qui ne soit pas répandue parmi le peuple” (213). French poetry, being the most classic of modern poetry, is the only one not widely spread among the people.

Question 4

According to Mme de Staël, what distinguishes the poetry of the Ancients from that of the moderns, and why is the latter more influential?

Answer 4

Mme de Staël argues, “La poésie des Anciens est plus pure comme art, celle des modernes fait verser plus de larmes” et reste donc plus capable d’influencer, de “convaincre” le public, de prêcher la liberté” (p. 213). The poetry of the Ancients is purer as art, while modern poetry evokes more tears, making it more capable of influencing and convincing the public and preaching freedom.

Question 5

How does Mme de Staël describe Romantic literature, and why does she believe it can be perfected?

Answer 5

Mme de Staël states, “La littérature romantique est la seule qui soit susceptible de encore d’être perfectionnée, parce qu’ayant ses racines dans notre propre sol, elle est la seule qui puisse croître et se vivifier de nouveau ; elle exprime notre religion ; elle rappelle notre histoire ; son origine est ancienne, mais non antique” (214). Romantic literature is the only one susceptible to further perfection, rooted in our soil, capable of growth and revitalization. It expresses our religion, recalls our history, with an ancient yet non-antique origin.

Question 6

What are the origins of the Romantic movement, and which literature is considered more modern according to Mme de Staël?

Answer 6

The Romantic movement is born from chivalry and Christianity. German literature embodies Romanticism and is considered more modern.