Summary:
The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of French classicism on national literature and art in the 17th century. First, it introduces the rise and spread of classicism in France in the 17th century, emphasizing its compatibility with French social values. Secondly, it analyzes the influence of classicism on French literature, including the influence on creative style, choice of subject matter, and use of language. Then, the role of classicism in promoting the standardization and standardization process of the French Chinese language is discussed.
I. Introduction
In 17th-century France, the rise of classicism was an important sign of a cultural change. At this time, France was in the era of Louis XIII and Louis XIV, one of the periods of cultural and artistic prosperity in French history. Classicism became the dominant trend in literature, language, and art during this period, and had a profound impact on French culture and even the culture of Europe as a whole.
During this period, French society underwent great changes on the political, economic and cultural levels. France inherited the humanist tradition of the Renaissance, but it was also influenced by the Reformation, which led to a shift in society's perception of traditional values and cultural forms. On the other hand, France's political stability and economic prosperity provided a good soil for cultural flourishing. Under the reign of Louis XIV, France became the cultural center of Europe, attracting an influx of writers, artists, and scholars, which provided the necessary conditions for the rise of classicism.
II. The Literary Influence of Classicism in France
A. The Formation and Development of Classical Literary Theory
The formation and development of classicist literary theory in France in the 17th century is an important aspect of the profound influence of classicism on national literature. During this period, classicist theorists devoted themselves to integrating the essence of ancient Greek and Roman literature into the French literary tradition, and built a complete system of literary theory on this basis.
First of all, the formation of classical literary theory is inseparable from the in-depth study and dissemination of ancient Greek and Roman literature. Classical theorists such as Niccolò Machiavelli and Aristotle have extracted a series of theoretical views on the principles and norms of literary creation through the study of ancient Greek tragedy, epic, ancient Roman prose, poetry and other literary forms. These theoretical perspectives include the Trinity structure of drama, the tragic ending of tragedy, and the rhyme and rhythm of poetry, which laid a theoretical foundation for the later development of French classical literature.
Secondly, the development of classical literary theory is inseparable from a deep reflection on human nature, morality and society. Classical theorists emphasized that literary works should aim at the profound revelation of human nature and the dissemination of social morality, and reflected the concern and reflection of French society on humanist thought and religious morality at that time through the creation of characters, the display of emotional conflicts, and the conveyance of moral concepts. For example, Molière's comedy "The School of Noble Ladies" reflects the moral decay and hypocrisy of French society at that time through its satire and criticism of aristocratic life.
B. Analysis of the characteristics and representative works of classical literary works
Classical literary works in 17th-century France presented a series of unique characteristics, which not only reflected the characteristics of the society and culture of the time, but also embodied the core concepts of classical literary theory. First of all, the language style of classical literary works is usually more solemn and concise, emphasizing the accuracy and beauty of language. Secondly, the themes of classical literary works are mostly based on ancient Greek and Roman myths, histories, and legends, reflecting people's worship and pursuit of classical culture. Thirdly, the structure of classical literary works usually follows the trinity structure of classical drama, emphasizing the narrative rhythm of succession and climax.
The most representative of classical literature is Pierre Correl's play "The Marriage of Leuven". Through the adaptation of a medieval legend, this work shows the nobility of medieval chivalry and the complexity of marriage ethics, and at the same time incorporates the characteristics of classical drama, such as the trinity structure and the climax of the narrative rhythm, etc., and is considered to be a representative work of French classical drama.
In addition, the comedies of Jean-Baptiste Molière are also one of the important representatives of classical literature. His works such as "The King of Comedy" and "Madame Stamp" revealed the social landscape and human weaknesses of the time, showing the concern and critical spirit of classical literature on social reality, and became a model of comedy in the French classical period.
III. The Influence of Classicism on the French National Language
A. The role of classicism in the normalization of language
The influence of classicism on the French national language is not only reflected in the creation and development of literary works, but also plays an important role in the standardization of language. During the period of classicism, French society had an urgent need for the standardization and standardization of language, and the literary theory and practice of classicism provided theoretical support and practical guidance for this demand.
First of all, classicism emphasizes the accuracy and beauty of language, and advocates the use of standardized language to express literary works. During the Classicist period, the French literary community generally believed that beautiful language was the foundation of a good literary work, and that this beautiful language must be based on strict norms of grammar, vocabulary, rhetoric, etc. Therefore, classicist theorists are committed to promoting the standardization of the French national language, advocating the use of authentic and standardized French to express thoughts and feelings, so that the French national language can play a more important role in literary creation.
Secondly, the standardization of language in classicism is also reflected in the choice and use of words. During the period of classicism, the French literary world began to borrow vocabulary from ancient Greek and Roman literary works on a large scale, introduce them into the French national language, and standardize and fix them. The introduction and standardization of this vocabulary has enriched the vocabulary of the French national language, and at the same time made French literary works more colorful in expression, enhancing their literary value and influence.
B. The Inspiration and Influence of Classicism on the Literary Works of the French National Language
The inspiration and influence of classicism on the literary works of the French national language are reflected in the following aspects:
First of all, classical literary works provide examples and references for the literary creation of the French national language. During the period of classicism, the French literary world was full of admiration and pursuit of ancient Greek and Roman literature, and classical literary works became the object of study and reference for French writers. French writers have improved the level and quality of their literary creations by studying classical literary works and learning their experience in language skills, narrative structure and character building.
Secondly, classicism emphasizes the profound revelation of human nature and the spread of social morality, which has had an important impact on the theme selection and expression techniques of French national language and literature. During the period of classicism, French literary works began to pay more attention to the internal contradictions of human nature and the reflection of social morality, presenting richer and more diverse themes and profound and delicate character descriptions. These works not only enrich the themes of French national language and literature, but also enhance the aesthetic quality and literary value of the works.
Finally, the influence of classicism on the literary works of the French national language is also reflected in the literary style and structure. Classicism emphasized the accuracy and beauty of language and advocated the use of standardized language to express literary works, which had a profound impact on the linguistic style of French national language and literary works. At the same time, classical literary works usually follow the Trinity structure of classical drama, emphasizing the narrative rhythm of succession and climax, and this structural influence has also influenced the creation and development of French national language and literature to a certain extent.
IV. The influence of classicism in the French art world
A. The Rise and Spread of Classical Art Concepts
The rise and spread of classicism in France in the 17th century marked the admiration and pursuit of classical culture in the art world. During this period, the concept of classical art gradually became the mainstream of the French art world, and had a profound impact on artistic creation and aesthetic standards.
First of all, the classical concept of art emphasizes the importance of reason and order. Influenced by ancient Greek and Roman art, classicist art advocates rational thinking and a sense of order, and advocates that works of art should have a clear structure and logic to express the author's pursuit of order and perfection. This concept of rationality and order not only influenced the art of painting, but also penetrated into many artistic fields such as architecture and sculpture, and became one of the important characteristics of French art in the 17th century.
Secondly, the classical concept of art emphasizes the respect and inheritance of the classical tradition. During the Classicist period, French artists generally believed that ancient Greek and Roman art was the highest example of art, and that artists should learn and learn from it. Therefore, classical art pays attention to the study and inheritance of classical traditions, and strives to integrate the essence of classical art into its own creation, so as to achieve the goal of pursuing perfection and excellence.
Finally, the classical concept of art emphasizes the universality and eternity of the work of art. Classical artists believed that works of art should have universal meaning and value, and be able to transcend the limitations of time and geography and contribute to the inheritance and development of human civilization. Therefore, classical works of art often have a strong universality and eternity, and have become objects of common appreciation and reverence by people from different cultural backgrounds.
B. Analysis of the characteristics and representative works of the classical painting style
The classical painting style showed its unique characteristics and style in the development of France in the 17th century, and its representative works fully embody the essence of the classicist artistic concept.
First of all, classical painting focuses on the idealization and perfection of the human figure. In classical painting, artists often depicted heroes, gods, and other figures with lofty images to show their nobility, wisdom, and power. At the same time, these figures are often given idealized appearances and gestures, reflecting the pursuit of perfection and excellence in classical art.
Secondly, classical painting emphasized the clarity and logic of the narrative. Classical paintings often have clear narrative threads and logical structures, and each picture is able to clearly express the storyline and character relationships, so that the viewer can easily understand and appreciate it. The clarity and logic of this narrative embody the pursuit of order and rules in classical art.
Finally, classicist painting pursues the perfect expression of light and shadow. Classicist painters are good at using light and shadow effects, through the processing and contrast of light, enhance the layering and three-dimensional sense of the picture, and make the figures more vivid and three-dimensional. This perfect expression of light and shadow not only makes the picture more realistic, but also enhances the artistic appeal and ornamental value of the work.
V. The interaction between the epochal values of classicism and French society and culture
A. The compatibility of the ideals of classicism with the values of French society at the time
The rise and spread of classicist art in France in the 17th century was not isolated from social culture, but was in line with the values of French society at that time. The classicist ideals emphasized order, rationality, and perfection, which coincided with the stability, norms, and elite rule pursued by French society at the time, and were therefore favored and supported by the upper classes of society.
First of all, the ideals of classicism were in line with the pursuit of order in French society at the time. The 17th century was a time of turmoil and instability in France, with a series of events such as religious wars, civil strife, and political upheaval. In this context, people aspire to find an idea that can maintain social order and stability, and the order and norms emphasized by classical art meet this need. The structure and logic of the classical artworks are clear, reflecting the artist's pursuit of order, and echoing the expectations of the society at that time for the reconstruction of order.
Second, the ideals of classicism were in line with the French society's admiration for reason at the time. In 17th-century France, the Enlightenment began to emphasize the importance of reason and science against excessive religious beliefs and superstitions. The rational thinking and clear logic emphasized by classical art were in line with the ideas of the Enlightenment, and were seen as an affirmation of reason and science. Therefore, classical art was recognized and respected to a certain extent in French society at that time, and was regarded as an art form that was in line with the spirit of the times.
B. The shaping and reflection of classicist art on French society and culture
Classicist art not only coincided with the values of French society at that time, but also had a profound impact on French society and culture, both shaping society and culture, and reflecting social reality.
First of all, the art of classicism shaped the elite culture of French society. In 17th-century France, classicist art was seen as a symbol of high society and became an important way for the aristocracy to show their status and taste. Aristocrats collected classicist works of art, held art exhibitions and cultural events to show off their elegant taste and cultural accomplishments. Therefore, classicist art has become a symbol of the elite culture of French society, and has played an important role in the differentiation of social classes and the spread of culture.
Secondly, the art of classicism reflected the political and social realities of French society at the time. The themes of heroes and myths that often appear in classical works of art are not only the inheritance and development of the classical tradition, but also reflect the pursuit of heroism and honor in French society at that time. For example, the images of sunshine and glory that often appear in the classicist works of Louis XIV are a reflection of the political and social atmosphere in France at that time, reflecting people's pursuit and yearning for political power and national honor.
Finally, the art of classicism shaped the aesthetic concept and cultural atmosphere of French society. The order, rationality and perfection advocated by classical art not only influenced painting, sculpture and other artistic fields, but also penetrated into many fields such as architecture and music, and became an important part of French culture. The wide dissemination and influence of classicist works of art made it the mainstream of aesthetic concepts in French society at that time, and played an important role in the formation and development of French culture.
VI. Conclusion
The rise and spread of classicism in France in the 17th century had a profound impact on the literature, language and art of the French nation. First of all, the classicist concept, with its emphasis on order, rationality and perfection, was in line with the values of French society at the time, and brought a new style of emphasis on structure and norms to the French literary world. In terms of literature, classicism influenced the creative style and choice of subject matter of French writers, prompting them to pay more attention to the integrity and logic of narrative structure, as well as the precise use of language. At the same time, the re-understanding and dissemination of ancient Greek and Roman literature by classicism also brought rich inspiration and materials to French literature, and promoted the development and prosperity of French literature.
In terms of language, the influence of classicism accelerated the process of standardization and standardization of French Chinese, promoted the standardization and unification of French, and laid a solid foundation for the development of French Chinese. The clarity, conciseness and accuracy of language emphasized by the classicist concept have had a profound impact on the written expression and literary creation of French Chinese, and have become an important reference standard in the process of standardization of French Chinese.
In terms of art, the influence of classicism on art forms such as architecture, painting, and sculpture is also significant. The order, symmetry and proportions emphasized by classicism became the ideals pursued by French artists, and promoted the transformation and development of French art to the classicist style. In the field of architecture, the influence of classicism prompted a transformation of French architectural styles, and many architectural works based on ancient Greco-Roman architecture appeared, such as the Palace of Versailles. In the field of painting and sculpture, classicism influenced the creative style and subject matter selection of French artists, making them pay more attention to the accurate representation of human proportions and the depiction of mythological subjects, showing the elegance and solemnity of classical art.
Author: Lu Xilin
Bibliography:
Anthony, Katherine. "French Classicism and the Literature of the Age of Louis XIV." Oxford University Press, 2018.
Green, William. "The Classical Tradition in French Literature." Cambridge University Press, 2015.
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