Remy de Gourmont and the crisis of erotic idealism

Thesis

This thesis explores the relationship between erotic desire and philosophical idealism in the work of Remy de Gourmont (1858-1915). Tracing a discourse of ‘erotic idealism’ through the chronological evolution of Gourmont’s novels and theatre, it also incorporates essays as well as select short fiction and poetry.

Through close readings of fiction and drama, I examine how Gourmont pursued a double-sided question: how does erotic desire shape our experience in the world of phenomenal...

Expand abstract

Authors: Pruett, R

• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: eroticism; idealist; idealism; Eros; decadence; Remy de Gourmont; French literature; sexuality; symbolism
• Subjects: Idealism in literature; Literature; French fiction--19th century; French; Decadence (Literary movement); Eroticism in literature