Henry de Montherlant
Henry de Montherlant
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Henry de Montherlant was a French writer, playwright, and intellectual figure. His full name was Henri-Jérôme de Montherlant, but he is commonly known by his pen name, Henry de Montherlant.
Birth and Death Dates
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Montherlant was born on August 20, 1896, in Paris, France. He passed away on September 24, 1972, at the age of 76.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Montherlant was a French national, and his profession was that of a writer and playwright. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century in France.
Early Life and Background
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Born into an aristocratic family, Montherlant's early life was marked by privilege and luxury. However, his parents' tumultuous marriage and his own experiences with social isolation and loneliness would later influence much of his writing. He was educated at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris before attending the École libre des sciences politiques.
Major Accomplishments
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Montherlant's literary career spanned over six decades, during which he produced numerous works that showcased his mastery of various genres. Some of his notable accomplishments include:
"Les Jeunes Maîtres" (1931), a novel that explored the themes of aristocracy and decadence.
"La Reine Morte" (1942), a play that told the story of Mary Queen of Scots' tragic fate.
"Le Diable au Corps" (1923), a novel that delved into the world of French high society.Notable Works or Actions
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Montherlant's works often explored themes of aristocracy, morality, and human relationships. Some of his notable works include:
"Les Égarés" (1931-1941), a five-volume work that chronicled the lives of three generations of an aristocratic family.
* "Le Maître de Santiago" (1963), a play that examined the relationship between two men in a small Spanish town.
Impact and Legacy
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Montherlant's impact on French literature is immense. His works continue to be widely read, studied, and performed today. He was awarded numerous literary prizes during his lifetime, including the Prix Goncourt for "Les Égarés". Montherlant's legacy extends beyond his literary achievements; he also played a significant role in shaping French intellectual life.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Montherlant is widely quoted and remembered due to his profound insights into human nature. His works often probed the complexities of relationships, morality, and social class, making him a beloved figure among intellectuals and literary enthusiasts alike.
Quotes by Henry de Montherlant
Most people do not read; those who read do not understand; those who understand forget.
It is through chance that, from among the various individuals of which each of us is composed, one emerges rather than another.
One puts into one’s art what one has not been capable of putting into one’s existence. It is because he was unhappy that God created the world.
There is only one way to be prepared for death: to be sated. In the soul, in the heart, in the spirit, in the flesh. To the brim.
Throughout history the world has been laid waste to ensure the triumph of conceptions that are now as dead as the men that died for them.
We have understood nothing of life until we have understood that it is one vast confusion.