On Love
Jan 2021 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
304
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About this ebook
On Love, philosophical discourse by Stendhal, published in 1822 as De l'amour. The work was prompted by Stendhal's hopeless love for Métilde Dembowski. The first part of On Love is an analysis of love, in which Stendhal lists four kinds of love: physical love, purely sexual in scope; love as a social game, removed from passion; vanity love, a type necessary for high social standing; and passion, the finest form of love, which the author idealized and to which he devotes most of his attention. Stendhal also outlines seven progressive stages of love, from admiration to "crystallization," or the process by which the lover attributes all types of perfection to the beloved. In the second part of the work Stendhal presents his views, considered radical at the time, against marriage and favouring the full education and moral liberty of women.
About the author
Stendhal, born Marie-Henri Beyle on January 23, 1783, in Grenoble, France, is a towering figure in 19th-century literature, renowned for his keen psychological insight and pioneering realism. A fervent admirer of Napoleon, Stendhal's early life was marked by his participation in the Napoleonic Wars, which profoundly influenced his worldview and literary themes.Stendhal's works often explore the complexities of human passion, ambition, and the social intricacies of his time. His sharp critique of society and exploration of individualism resonated with the burgeoning Romantic movement, yet his commitment to realism set him apart, making him a precursor to later literary giants like Flaubert and Zola.Controversy surrounded Stendhal's candid portrayal of sexuality and his unflinching dissection of the human psyche, which were considered scandalous by the standards of his day. His innovative narrative techniques, including the use of irony and psychological depth, have earned him a lasting legacy in the literary canon.Stendhal's influence extends beyond literature; his ideas on love and the human condition have permeated cultural and philosophical discourse. His concept of "crystallization" in love, where ordinary objects become imbued with extraordinary significance, remains a topic of fascination.Despite facing initial obscurity and critical neglect, Stendhal's work gained recognition posthumously, cementing his status as a visionary who bridged the gap between Romanticism and Realism. His life and writings continue to captivate modern readers, offering a profound exploration of the human spirit amidst the tumult of historical change.
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