Etudes sur la litterature feminine du XVIIe siecle: Mademoiselle de Gournay, Mademoiselle de Scudery, Madame De Villedieu, Madame de Lafayette (French Edition)

by Constant Venesoen

In this critical study of four major women writers of the French seventeenth century (Mademoiselle de Gournay, Mademoiselle de Scudery, Madame de Villedieu, and Madame de Lafayette), Professor Venesoen attempts to dispel some of the contemporary 'feminist' myths surrounding them. While the feminist question is important, the author seeks to concentrate on specific literary qualities, whether rhetorical or thematic, in each author's writings. In so doing, he explores the common ground of feminine literature just as he recognizes the originality and personality of each author. What emerges from these 'Etudes' is a perception of a unique feminine sensitivity in a male-dominated society.

178 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1990