On Stendhal Creation In The Italian Character

Stendhal's life was one of legend and passion, full of sensitive and romantic episodes. Early days as a writer found him an"outsider."However, with the passage of time, his writing gained more and more popular success. As an all-time focus for western literature studies, his creation still leaves room for further research. The fact is that critics tend to approach it from a psychological and political perspective, taking LE ROUGE ET LE NOIR for instance. Yet Stendhal's lifetime is much attached to Italy and he alleged to be a Milaner. Thus, this lasting attachment to Italy found expression in most of his works, the consummation being Chroniques Italiennes and La Chartreuse De Parme. The latter was enthusiastically reviewed by Balzac in the 19th century. Stendhal's"Italian quality"finds expression from most of his works, shining examples, being Chroniques Italiennes, a miscellany of novels and La Chartreuse De Parme, both of which were his later years compositions. And the present thesis, mainly focusing on the plot and characterization in Chroniques Italiennes and La Chartreuse De Parme, attempts to reveal the conscience and feelings shown with the"Italian quality"and its significance in the Stendhalien canon.The first part is devoted to the social dynamics of the"Italian quality", a socioeconomic brief on the Italy at an era experienced by Stendhal. For one thing, it offers a cultural grouding drawn from the Italian history, on which the"Italian quality"is based. Italy's literary tradition holds attention from the scholar circle full of sparking wit. For another, psychological and social influence from his family and a particular stage of social development is also key to his"Italian quality."As arguments for the thesis, there is a delineation of the subjects for"Italian quality", as well as the background of Chroniques Italiennes and La Chartreuse De Parme. Then comes a detailed analysis of the"Italian quality", falling into four facets: anti-religion and love for freedom; pursuit of authentic happiness; strong will; aestheticism. Some of the main characters in the above mentioned works, acclaimed as literary paradigms, are analyzed and prove to be examples of the novelist's"love of passion". It cannot be neglected that Stendhal's talent in psychoanalysis is also manifested from the two works. And this thesis attempts to examine from that perspective. With the assistance of Freudian theory of psychoanalysis, there follows a reflection of the"Italian quality"in the psychological portrait of the characters. It is stated here that the"Italian quality"is a variant under the influence of"id, ego and superego,"and meanwhile, an ethno psychological expression of id and foundation of the characters'action. The third part offers a realistic review of the"Italian quality", its origin from the writer's personality, as well as its impact on the 19th century romanticism. This may also viewed as a driving force in the characterization in Stendhal's novels.Part three is dedicated to the realist feature of the"Italian quality."It has profound impact on the novelist's style and is contributive to the Milan romanticism. One of the pioneers in critical realism, Stendhal introduced romanticism to realism, mutually benefit both. In addition, as a coordinator, the"Italian quality"is compared with other art form in Italy to show the interrelationship within.