The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: The (Im)Possible Exemplum of Prévost's Chevalier Des Grieux 公开

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the paradoxical nature of Le Chevalier Des Grieux in Prévost's Manon Lescaut. Des Grieux is an ambiguous character--un mélange des vertus et de vices-- with conflicting actions and sentiments. He establishes a new moral code--a code not defined by those around him but created exclusively by himself--in order to gratify his desires. Not only is the morality of Des Grieux called into question, but also the idea of morality itself. The opposing systems of values present in the novel demonstrate how the psychology of man changes in the 18th century towards the idea of l'individu, a psychological revolution in comparison to the doctrine of the 17th century.

This thesis examines how the opposing sides of Des Grieux's character develop and how he establishes a new sense of morality. The main figures who influence Des Grieux's views, perceptions, and actions are: Manon Lescaut, who appears to represent the fatality of passion; Tiberge, who symbolizes the quest for virtue; and Des Grieux's father, who exemplifies the problematization of the loi du père. Analyzing Des Grieux's relationship with these three personages elucidates the ambiguity of his nature and of the novel.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Chapter
1. Introduction 1
2. Manon, or The Fatality of Passion 6
3. Tiberge, or The Path of Virtue 15
4. The Law of the Father 27
5. Point of (No) Return: "La vie sage et réglée" 38
6. Conclusion 46
Works Cited 49

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	French Studies
Degree	BA
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Literature, General Literature, Romance
关键词	Loi Du Père Virtue New Orleans Vice 18th Century Moral Code Le Chevalier Des Grieux France Manon Lescaut Fatality of Passion
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Coropceanu, Lilia, Emory University
Committee Members	Judovitz, Dalia, Emory University Covey, Bruce, Emory University

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