Henri de Montherlant Criticism
Henri de Montherlant (1896–1972) was a French novelist, playwright, poet, and essayist known for advocating Spartan virtues, virility, and stoicism in his literary works. His reputation as a "right-wing" novelist and frequent accusations of German collaboration contributed to a decline in his literary standing. Montherlant's style shares certain similarities with that of Ernest Hemingway; both authors have been critiqued for their perceived egotism and glorification of violence. Notably, both men explored the theme of bullfighting in their writings, with Montherlant bringing authenticity to his narratives through personal experience in the bullring, as observed by Louis Kronenberger. Moreover, both authors ended their lives tragically through suicide, with Montherlant driven by the impending threat of blindness. His work is marked by emotional depth and intellectual vigor, alongside a sophisticated style that transcends the depiction of national sports and delves into complex themes of human behavior and morality, as noted in Gene Baro's analysis. Montherlant's literary legacy is further explored through critical examinations of his portrayal of women, as critiqued by Simone de Beauvoir, and his exploration of tragic themes of desire and destruction, as discussed by Allen Thiher.
Contents
- Montherlant, Henri de (Vol. 8)
-
Montherlant, Henri de (Vol. 19)
-
Bullfighting as a Symbol of the Life-Force
(summary)
In the following essay, Louis Kronenberger examines Henri de Montherlant's novel "The Bullfighters," highlighting its elevation of bullfighting to a mystic and timeless art form, while praising the emotional depth, sophisticated style, and intellectual vigor that transcend its depiction as merely a national sport.
-
Kindness to Women
(summary)
In the following essay, Elizabeth Bowen examines Henri de Montherlant's novel Les Jeunes Filles, highlighting its provocative exploration of women's roles, its innovative narrative structure, and its unflinching portrayal of emotions and morality, while suggesting that the novel's themes may provoke mixed reactions among English audiences.
-
The Myth of Woman in Five Authors: Montherlant or the Bread of Disgust
(summary)
In the following essay, Simone de Beauvoir critiques Montherlant's depiction of women, arguing that his portrayal is rooted in contempt and fear, reflecting his own existential choices rather than any objective truth, as he seeks to assert male superiority by depicting women as weak and inferior.
-
To Style, Add a Dash of Bitterness
(summary)
In the following essay, Henri Peyre critiques Montherlant's work for its stylistic brilliance and irony, highlighting themes of self-hatred, isolation, and misanthropy, while noting the tragic irony of Montherlant's insistence on his own happiness despite his pervasive scorn and melancholy.
-
Montherlant and the Morals of Adjustment
(summary)
In the following essay, Gene Baro argues that Henri de Montherlant's works are a profound exploration of human behavior, characterized by a psychological and moral analysis that reveals the inconsistencies of existence and advocates for living with self-awareness and acceptance of one's inherent contradictions.
-
Pessimism and Nihilism in the Plays of Henry de Montherlant
(summary)
In the following essay, Lucille Becker examines the pervasive themes of pessimism and nihilism in Henri de Montherlant's theatrical works, highlighting his heroes' quests for self-realization amidst a recognition of life's futility, which reflects Montherlant's theory of alternation and his evolving skepticism about the meaning and worth of human actions.
-
Novels from Abroad: 'Chaos and Night'
(summary)
In the following essay, Kauffmann explores Henri de Montherlant's novel Chaos and Night, highlighting its examination of political belief, predestination, and free will through the story of an exiled Spanish anarchist, while noting the novel's austere but rich portrayal of religious and political themes without resorting to heavy-handed parables.
-
The Agony of Solitary Souls: Henry de Montherlant
(summary)
In the following essay, Jacques Guicharnaud examines Henri de Montherlant's theatre, highlighting his focus on the psychological intricacies of faith, the ethical dilemmas within his characters, and his distinctive approach to dramatizing human pride and self-perception, which often leads to misunderstandings due to Montherlant's subtlety and complex character analysis.
-
Blue Blood and His Women
(summary)
In the following essay, Leo Bersani critiques Henri de Montherlant's novel The Girls for its banal thesis and misogynous view, arguing that the text fails to genuinely examine gender relations and instead perpetuates the myths it claims to criticize.
-
Desire and Destruction: Montherlant's Tragic Vision
(summary)
In the following essay, Allen Thiher explores Henri de Montherlant’s tragic vision, emphasizing the recurring themes of desire and destruction among his characters, who often grapple with metaphysical exile, existential conflicts, and the limits of passion, ultimately affirming the possibility of tragedy through a metaphysical celebration of life's complexities.
-
'Le Bonheur' As a Dramatic Theme and Paradox in Twentieth-Century French Theatre
(summary)
In the following essay, Norrish examines the dramatic works of Henri de Montherlant, arguing that his plays explore the conflicts between personal happiness and duty, particularly through flawed, extraordinary characters striving for self-realization, with a focus on the psychological tensions in La Reine Morte and Le Maître de Santiago.
-
Bullfighting as a Symbol of the Life-Force
(summary)