Francois Mauriac
Francois Mauriac
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Francois Charles Mauriac was a French novelist, playwright, poet, journalist, and critic.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 11, 1885, in Bordeaux, France. Passed away on September 22, 1970, in Paris, France.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: French
Professions: Novelist, Playwright, Poet, Journalist, Critic
Early Life and Background
Mauriac was born into a Catholic family of modest means. His early life was marked by struggles with his faith and personal demons. He spent much of his youth studying in boarding schools before attending the Sorbonne University in Paris.
During this period, Mauriac began to develop an interest in writing. He started out as a poet but soon turned to prose. This decision would ultimately lead him to become one of France's most prominent novelists of the 20th century.
Major Accomplishments
Mauriac's early novels were met with critical acclaim and established him as a rising star within French literary circles. Some of his notable works include Germinal (1915) and Thérèse Desqueyroux (1927).
One of his most significant accomplishments was being awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1952.
Notable Works or Actions
Throughout his career, Mauriac wrote over 40 novels, numerous plays, and hundreds of essays. Some notable works include:
Thérèse Desqueyroux: a psychological novel that explores themes of identity, morality, and the human condition.
Germinal: a novel about coal miners struggling for workers' rights during the late 19th century.
* A Woman of the Pharisees (1927): a biography exploring the life of Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Comtesse de Sévigné.
Mauriac's writing often addressed complex themes like faith, morality, and social justice. He was also an outspoken critic of capitalism and its effects on society.
Impact and Legacy
Francois Mauriac's impact on literature and society cannot be overstated. His works have been translated into numerous languages, influencing generations of writers worldwide. As a human rights activist and advocate for workers' rights, he made significant contributions to France's social movement.
Mauriac's writing has also inspired countless adaptations in theater, film, and television. Many of his novels continue to be widely read today due to their enduring themes and powerful storytelling.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Francois Mauriac is remembered for his captivating narrative style and thought-provoking works that delve into the complexities of human nature. His commitment to social justice, faith, and morality has left a lasting impact on literature and society.
His writing often poses questions rather than providing definitive answers, sparking discussions about fundamental human issues such as identity, morality, and the role of religion in society.
Mauriac's legacy extends beyond his literary contributions; it serves as a testament to the power of writing to inspire positive change and spark meaningful conversations.
Quotes by Francois Mauriac
Francois Mauriac's insights on:
The scapegoat has always had the mysterious power of unleashing man’s ferocious pleasure in torturing, corrupting, and befouling.
A man’s passion for the mountain is, above all, his childhood which refuses to die.
We are, all of us, molded and remolded by those who have loved us, and though that love may pass, we remain none the less their work – a work that very likely they do not recognize, and which is never exactly what they intended.
Tell me what you read and I’ll tell you who you are is true enough, but I’d know you better if you told me what you reread.
If the flame inside you goes out, the souls that are next to you will die of cold.
No love, no friendship, can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.
We are, all of us, molded and remolded by those who have loved us, and though that love may pass, we remain none the less their work--a work that very likely they do not recognize, and which is never exactly what they intended.
Doubt is nothing but a trivial agitation on the surface of the soul, while deep down there is a calm certainty.
