商品簡介
Lewis (French, Birbeck, University of London) employs both word and image in this study of the visual and written interpretations of the term "sensibility" in eighteenth century French literature. while giving examples from many works, she concentrates on three novels, Lettres d'une Peruvienne by Graffigny, La vie de Marianne by Marrivaux and Julie by Rousseau. Before the in-depth studies, Lewis first discusses the thorny problem of defining "sensibility" as it was understood by the authors. She points out a difference between French and English understandings, helpful to readers more familiar with the former. Then she addresses the use of sentiment in each of the works, giving for each a review of the thoughts of expositors from the time of the first publication to the present. The consideration of how illustrations of different editions affect the reaction of the reader is particularly interesting. Lewis concludes with examples of how expected sentimental scenes are subverted by the authors to show the cracks in the reality of the relationships. Distributed in North America by The David Brown Book Co. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
