We blend a love of French with literature, exploring themes, characters, and language from Molière and Camus to Slimani and modern francophone poets. Posts connect stories to life, deepen cultural understanding, and offer classroom tips, book recommendations, and ideas for learners to enrich their French through literature.
When we think of the greats in contemporary art, Auguste Rodin often springs to mind, despite his primary activity being in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. His innovative approach to sculpture has paved the way for contemporary artists today. While many of us might associate Rodin with his iconic works like The Thinker or The Kiss, […]
Auguste Rodin – Artist – Contemporary Art – 20th c. Read More »
Did you know… Berthe Morisot was the only female artist to exhibit with the original Impressionists, showcasing her talent alongside legends like Monet and Renoir. Her paintings often depicted the intimate moments of women’s lives, capturing their joie de vivre with delicate brush strokes. Morisot was a trailblazer for women in art, paving the way for future
Berthe Morisot – Painter – Impressionism – 19th c. Read More »
Did you know… Pierre-Auguste Renoir was such a fan of painting in the sunshine that he practically lived en plein air, making him the ultimate outdoor enthusiast of the art world! This charming artist loved painting women, particularly in vibrant dresses, believing that they brought the joie de vivre to his canvases. Renoir once said, “A picture
Pierre-Auguste Renoir – Impressionism – 19th c. Read More »
Did you know… Miguel Chevalier is a pioneer of digital art, transforming traditional notions of painting into immersive experiences. His work often explores the relationship between nature and technology, inviting audiences to embrace the joie de vivre of modern life. Chevalier’s installations have been showcased in iconic locations, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, merging history with
Miguel Chevalier – Artist — Contemporary Art — 21st c. Read More »
Leïla Slimani is a name that resonates powerfully in contemporary French literature. Born in 1981 in Morocco, Slimani brings a unique perspective to her work, often exploring themes of identity, desire, and the complexities of motherhood. Her debut novel, Dans le jardin de l’ogre, unfolds the story of a woman’s hidden desires, setting the stage
Did you know… Proust took over 14 years to write his masterpiece, spending more time on it than most people spend on their entire careers! His famous madeleine moment captured the essence of nostalgie, showing how a simple taste can unlock a flood of memories. The author was a master of the art of procrastination,
Marcel Proust – Writer — Modernist literature (In Search of Lost Time) — 20th c. Read More »
When we think of 20th-century music, one name that often resonates is Maurice Ravel. Known for his exquisite orchestral works, Ravel’s compositions encapsulate a unique blend of impressionism and modernism, making them a vital part of French cultural heritage. His most famous piece, Boléro, is a brilliant example of his genius, characterized by its hypnotic
Maurice Ravel – Composer — Orchestral works (Boléro) — 20th c. Read More »
Did you know… Auguste Comte, the father of sociology, believed that society progresses through three stages—just like a fine wine improves with age! He coined the term “sociologie” in the 1830s, mixing science with a dash of joie de vivre. Comte even had a peculiar habit of writing love letters to humanity, proving that philosophers
Auguste Comte – Philosopher/sociologist — Positivism, sociology founder — 19th c. Read More »
Did you know… Jean-Paul Sartre was not just a philosopher; he was also a playwright, novelist, and even a war correspondent during World War II! He famously refused the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1964, believing that writers should not allow themselves to be turned into institutions—talk about l’esprit libre! Sartre’s famous line, “Existence precedes
Jean-Paul Sartre – Philosopher/writer — Existentialist philosophy — 20th c. Read More »
Virginie Despentes is a name that has become synonymous with contemporary feminist literature in the 21st century. Her works challenge societal norms, push boundaries, and spark essential conversations around gender, sexuality, and power dynamics. With a raw, unapologetic style, Despentes paints vivid portraits of women who refuse to be silenced or defined by patriarchal standards.
Virginie Despentes – Writer — Contemporary feminist literature — 21st c. Read More »
