The Role of Symbolism in Four Plays of François de Curel
Graduation Date
Summer 1956
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Degree Granting Institution
Catholic University of America
Program Name
Humanities
Abstract
The purpose or this study is to determine the role of symbolism in four plays of Francois de Curel. The plays chosen Les Fossiles, (1892), Le Repas du Lion. (1897), La Fille (1902), and Le .Coup d’Aile, (1906). Written as they were at about five-year intervals, these four plays present a good cross-section of the author’s drama. They represent one- third of his plays, and are among those which received the most attention in his own day and established his reputation.
So all-pervading is the use of symbols in the drama of de Curel, that it is surprising to find no previous study on the subject, and only cursory allusions to it in the general commentaries of various critics. Apart from a rich field of textual evidence in the works themselves, Curel, in personal recollections as well as in the Historique preceding each play, supplies a number of direct indications of the genesis and application of Prevalent symbols.
Each author uses symbols in a unique manner. They fill a special role in conveying his idea. The symbols nay be of Various types, simple or complex, admit one or several levels of interpretation, fall into various categories. The author makes thorn expressive through his individual genius and procedure, binding these factors in the above materials will supply an Answer to the question: "What is the role of symbolism in who Plays of Francois de Curel?