Abstract EN:

From 1790 to 1848, in a complex historical setting, chateaubriand occupied different posts in periodicals : he was owner of the "mercure de france", shareholder and editor-in-chief of the "conservateur", editor at the "journal des debats" and correspondent of numerous other periodicals. His articles are closely related to current political events often treated using allusions. A summary of the events related to the topics of the articles makes the texts more comprehensible. In some articles chateaubriand presents himself. He talks about his friends, his journeys, the events that mark his life as a celebrity. Having rapidly understood the power of the press in politics, he offered his litterary skills to the "restauration", the "bourbons" and the "charte". His position between monarchism and liberalism is one of a man who desires to connect present and past to find in this unity peace and liberty. In his literary criticism, chateaubriand demands classical positions, but romantic ideas begin already to break through : here also the ideal of which he dreams is one of a middle way between tradition and innovation. Writing for periodicals was a toil for chateaubriand who chose to sign his texts according to their content, their tone and their goal, but also according to their historical hazards. He particularly elaborates their style, using the traditional rhetoric with dexterity, showing above all consummate art of irony. The great writer reveals himself in tone breaks and unexpected pictures that are organised in characteristic metaphorical chains. The articles enter also in the work of the writer. Besides, chateaubriand created his own publicity for his literary works in the press. Moreover, his literary works are linked to the articles by citations and reminiscences circulating between the two types of texts. Finally, certain articles are integrated into the complete works.