Ourika (eBook)

Claire de Durfort Duras duchesse de (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
26 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654703646-3 (EAN)

Infos

In "Ourika," Claire de Durfort, duchesse de Duras, presents a poignant exploration of race, identity, and the complexities of societal expectations in 19th-century France. Written in a lyrical yet straightforward style, the novella conveys the inner turmoil of its eponymous heroine, a Senegalese girl raised in Paris, who grapples with her status as an outsider in a society that does not fully embrace her. Duras's narrative interweaves themes of love, longing, and alienation, showcasing her adeptness at portraying the delicate lives of women and the intricacies of social change during the period, while also highlighting the pervasive issues of colonialism and racial prejudice. Claire de Durfort, a prominent member of the French aristocracy, lived in a time of upheaval and transformation, which greatly influenced her literary output. As an advocate for women's rights and a keen observer of social injustices, her position allowed her to critique the rigid structures of her society through her writing. "Ourika," published in 1823, is deeply informed by this context, reflecting Duras's commitment to addressing the plight of marginalized individuals and her empathy for those who defy social conventions. Readers seeking a profound narrative that challenges societal norms and offers an authentic perspective on race and femininity will find "Ourika" an essential addition to their literary repertoire. It invites reflection on the intersection of personal and collective identities, making it a timeless exploration relevant to contemporary discussions surrounding race and belonging.

Autor

Claire de Durfort, known as the Duchesse de Duras (1777–1828), was a French writer of the early 19th century whose literary contributions reflect the complexities and transitions of post-revolutionary France. Born into an aristocratic family, she lived through the tumultuous times of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era, experiences that influenced her worldview and subsequent literary expressions. Her literary work is often characterized by a keen exploration of social issues and psychological depth, highlighted by her compassion for the disenfranchised. Her most celebrated novella, 'Ourika' (1823), conveys the story of a Black Senegalese woman raised in French aristocracy, tackling themes of racial identity and societal alienation. 'Ourika' is a masterclass in narrative introspection and was quite progressive for its time, being arguably one of the first European literary works to present a Black female protagonist in a complex, empathetic light. The book gained wide praise for its poignant narrative and delicate portrayal of personal anguish in the face of insurmountable social barriers. De Duras's literary style, characterized by its straightforward and evocative prose, grants readers a transparent window into the personal isolation and desire for belonging that transcend boundaries of race and class. Though her literary output was not voluminous, the Duchesse de Duras earned her spot in the literary canon as a compassionate and socially aware author, whose works offered a prescient commentary on the societal constructs of her day.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 2.6.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Historische Romane
• Schlagworte: 18th-century Europe • 19th Century France • 19th century women authors • african protagonist • africans • Black • Claire de Duras novel • cross-cultural adoption • cultural awareness • enlightenment era • female author • female author insights • Fiction • France • French Literature • French literature classics • French Revolution • historical fiction • Historical narrative style • identity and race • identity struggle • literary fiction • Ourika French novel • poignant emotional journey • prejudice and belonging • psychological fiction • race and identity in literature • Race relations • Racial Identity Exploration • Romantic era literature • Senegalese girl perspective • slavery narrative • Social discrimination • societal norms critique • tragic heroines in literature • Women