Publisher's Synopsis
This study explores the aphoristic formulation in 20th century French novels. It defines aphorism as a literary genre, and demonstrates how it is used in seven texts that provide a cross-section of ideological stances and francophone communities. The study includes critical readings of "Terre des hommes" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, "Alexandre Chenevert" by Gabrielle Roy, "Gouverneurs de la rosee" by Jacques Roumain, "Pluie en vent sur Telumee miracle" by Simone Schwartz-Bart, "La route des Flandres" by Claude Simon, "Presence de la mort" by C.F. Ramuz, and "Neige noire" by Hubert Aquin.;This study addresses the problems inherent in the term aphorism; the narrative and discourse function of aphorism within the genre of the novel; the interrelation between the structure of aphorism and the epistemological and hermeneutical functions this sub-genre may perform as a component part of the narrative fabric; the "national" character of aphoristics; and the problems that arise from "anthologizing" a novel's aphorisms.
