Claire de Duras

Claire, duchesse de Duras, was a reluctant writer. The three novellas that she did publish were only done so in order to prevent any possible plagiarism. Since she had a famous salon in post-Revolutionary Paris, plagairism was a viable threat. She was the close friend of Chateaubriand, who she had met while in exile in London, and who helped her in publishing her books.

Related Topics:
Plagiarism - Salon - Paris - Chateaubriand - London

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Claire de Duras treated complex and controversial subjects, primarily dealing with oppressed/marginalized characters. She explored many fundamental principles of the French Revolution, touched upon debates that were Enlightenment in nature (i.e. the equality of all men-- and women). In holding with these subjects, tragedy is a common theme. For a long time she was seen as the writer of small and unimportant sentimental novels, but recent criticism has revealed her works to be treasure troves of postmodern identity theory. It is likely she has not been well read because her choice and treatment of subject could not be appreciated until recently; she was ahead of her time.

Related Topics:
French Revolution - Enlightenment - Tragedy - Postmodern

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