Authenticité et vraisemblance dans le roman français du XVIIIe siècle

Abstract

During the eighteenth century, the novel is disparaged and is declared a frivolous literary form: neither ancient guarantees, it complies the rules of the fiction and describes immoral characters. To avoid the contestations, almost all the novelists justify and explain themselves in long forewords, using arguments as likeliness, authenticity and the moralizing lessons. Some of them present their writings as simple translations of works for which they would not be responsible, or declare themselves editors of letters or found manuscripts. Others integrate into their novels a likelihood fiction, an imaginary reader – listener, storyteller, letter-writer, friend, confidant –, in function of which they direct their reactions, according to whether they find him admiring, understanding, sympathizing, turbulent or hostile. Others claim to have assisted to the event that they then transmit to the listener-witness. Sometimes, they disavow their paternity and prefer anonymity or are disunited of their creation by treating it ironically. The majority of the novelists of the eighteenth century want to make the novel a serious form, a major analysis of the reality, also to be able to transmit a message to the reader.