Jean-Francois de La Harpe Quotes
Jean-Francois de La Harpe
Jean-Francois de La Harpe (1739-1803) was a French writer, playwright, and political figure. He was a prominent figure in the French Enlightenment and a member of the French Academy. He is best known for his plays, such as “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Barber of Seville”,…Read More
Jean-Francois de La Harpe (1739-1803) was a French writer, playwright, and political figure. He was a prominent figure in the French Enlightenment and a member of the French Academy. He is best known for his plays, such as “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Barber of Seville”, as well as his political writings, including “The Constitution of the Year III” and “The Political Testament of Louis XVI”. He was also a major contributor to the Encyclopédie, a French encyclopedia. La Harpe’s works were influential in the development of French literature and culture in the 18th century.Read Less
Jean-Francois de La Harpe (1739-1803) was a French writer, playwright, and political figure. He was a prominent figure in the French Enlightenment and a member of the French Academy. He is best known for his plays, such as “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Barber of Seville”, as well as his political writings, including “The Constitution of the Year III” and “The Political Testament of Louis XVI”. He was also a major contributor to the Encyclopédie, a French encyclopedia. La Harpe’s works were influential in the development of French literature and culture in the 18th century.
5 Insightful Jean-Francois de La Harpe Quotes
Jean-Francois de La Harpe Career Highlights
- La Harpe began his career as a playwright, writing several successful comedies and tragedies that were well-received by audiences and critics alike.
- In 1765, he was appointed as a professor of literature at the prestigious Collège de France, where he taught for over 30 years.
- La Harpe was a prominent figure in the literary circles of Paris, and his salon was frequented by many influential writers and thinkers of the time.
- He was a member of the prestigious Académie Française, the foremost authority on the French language and literature.
- La Harpe was also a prolific literary critic, writing for various publications and gaining a reputation for his sharp and insightful reviews.
- He was a staunch defender of classical French literature and was known for his fierce criticism of the emerging Romantic movement.
Key Contributions by Jean-Francois de La Harpe
- La Harpe’s most significant contribution was his role in promoting and preserving classical French literature. He believed that the works of writers such as Racine, Corneille, and Molière were the pinnacle of French literature and should be revered and studied.
- As a professor, La Harpe influenced generations of students with his passion for classical literature and his rigorous teaching methods.
- His critical writings, particularly his reviews of contemporary plays, were highly influential and helped shape the literary tastes of the time.
- La Harpe’s salon was a hub for intellectual discussions and debates, and many of his ideas and opinions on literature were formed and refined through these conversations.
What Sets Jean-Francois de La Harpe Apart
- La Harpe’s unwavering dedication to classical French literature set him apart from his contemporaries. While many writers and critics were embracing the new Romantic movement, La Harpe remained steadfast in his belief that the classics should be revered and preserved.
- He was known for his sharp wit and biting criticism, which earned him both admirers and detractors. His reviews were often controversial, but they were always well-reasoned and backed by his extensive knowledge of literature.
- La Harpe’s influence extended beyond the literary world. He was a vocal supporter of the French monarchy and a staunch opponent of the French Revolution, which earned him the ire of many of his fellow intellectuals.
Takeaways
- Jean-Francois de La Harpe’s career highlights the importance of preserving and studying classical literature. His unwavering dedication to this cause helped shape the literary landscape of 18th century France.
- His contributions as a playwright, professor, and critic demonstrate the impact that one individual can have on the literary world.
- La Harpe’s sharp wit and strong opinions serve as a reminder to always question and critically analyze the works of literature that we encounter.
Other People
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1930
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1934
