Deaths on February 14

Jules Vallès, French journalist and author (b. 1832)

Jules Vallès (11 June 1832 – 14 February 1885) was a compelling and multifaceted figure in 19th-century French society. Born in Le Puy-en-Velay, Haute-Loire, and passing away in Paris, his life intricately wove together the roles of an influential journalist, a distinguished author, and a committed left-wing political activist. Vallès's career unfolded during a period of intense political and social upheaval in France, including the Second Empire, the Franco-Prussian War, and the transformative Paris Commune, all of which profoundly shaped his work and worldview.

The Incisive Journalist: A Voice for the Voiceless

As a journalist, Jules Vallès was known for his sharp wit, satirical edge, and unwavering commitment to social justice. He leveraged his pen to critique the established order and advocate fiercely for the working classes and the disenfranchised. His journalistic endeavors were not merely observational; they were deeply engaged and often polemical, challenging the status quo with passionate conviction.

• Founding Editor: Vallès founded and edited several influential newspapers that became platforms for his radical views. Notable among these were La Rue (1867), where he first developed his distinctive, critical voice, and most significantly, Le Cri du Peuple (The Cry of the People).
• Le Cri du Peuple during the Paris Commune: Launched in 1871, Le Cri du Peuple became one of the most widely read and influential newspapers during the brief but pivotal existence of the Paris Commune. As its editor, Vallès used the publication to articulate the Commune's ideals, report on its proceedings, and rally public support, making it a crucial voice in the revolutionary government.
• Journalistic Style: His articles were characterized by their directness, vivid language, and an empathetic yet often biting portrayal of the struggles faced by ordinary people. He rejected academic pretense, aiming for a style that was accessible and resonant with a broad readership.

The Prolific Author: Chronicler of Rebellion and Childhood

Beyond his journalism, Jules Vallès secured his literary legacy primarily through his deeply personal and socially critical works, often categorized within the realist and naturalistic movements. His writing offered a raw, unvarnished look at life, particularly the experience of growing up in a repressive society and the journey toward political awakening.

The Jacques Vingtras Trilogy: An Autobiographical Masterpiece

Vallès's most celebrated contribution to French literature is the semi-autobiographical trilogy, which follows the life of Jacques Vingtras and mirrors Vallès's own experiences:

1. L'Enfant (The Child, 1879): This first volume vividly recounts the brutal and often humiliating childhood of Jacques, oppressed by his rigid and unloving parents. It explores themes of familial tyranny, the psychological impact of harsh discipline, and the stifling atmosphere of provincial life, setting the stage for his later rebellion.
2. Le Bachelier (The Graduate, 1881): Continuing the narrative, this volume depicts Jacques's struggles as a young man attempting to navigate Parisian society and an unfulfilling educational system. It critiques the bourgeois values of the Second Empire, highlighting the disillusionment and poverty faced by aspiring intellectuals and the working class in the capital.
3. L'Insurgé (The Insurgent, 1886): Published posthumously, this final installment culminates in Jacques's active participation in the Paris Commune. It provides a powerful, first-hand account of the revolutionary fervor, the hopes, and ultimately, the tragic suppression of the Commune. This work is a testament to Vallès's enduring political commitment and offers invaluable historical insight into one of France's most significant revolutionary episodes.

Through this trilogy, Vallès explored universal themes of alienation, the search for identity, resistance against authority, and the yearning for social justice, making his work resonate far beyond its historical context.

The Ardent Political Activist: A Communard's Conviction

Jules Vallès was not merely an observer of political events; he was an active participant whose deeply held socialist beliefs guided his life and career. His activism reached its peak during the Paris Commune of 1871, a revolutionary government that briefly ruled Paris.

• Role in the Paris Commune: As a committed socialist and republican, Vallès was elected to the Council of the Paris Commune for the 15th arrondissement. He actively participated in its various commissions, notably serving on the Education Commission, where he advocated for secular and free education for all. His involvement was central to the Commune's efforts to establish a more egalitarian society.
• Political Ideology: Vallès aligned himself with the more radical, left-wing currents of his time, advocating for workers' rights, social equality, and a dismantling of oppressive state structures. His political philosophy was deeply intertwined with his journalistic and literary output, using all platforms to advance his vision of a just society.
• Exile and Return: Following the brutal suppression of the Paris Commune (known as "Bloody Week"), Vallès was condemned to death in absentia by the Versailles government. He managed to escape France, spending nearly a decade in political exile, primarily in London and Belgium, continuing to write and advocate from abroad. He was finally able to return to France in 1880 after a general amnesty was declared for Communards, resuming his journalistic and literary activities in Paris until his death in 1885.

Frequently Asked Questions about Jules Vallès

What was Jules Vallès' most famous literary work?

Jules Vallès is most renowned for his semi-autobiographical trilogy, Jacques Vingtras. This series comprises L'Enfant (The Child), Le Bachelier (The Graduate), and L'Insurgé (The Insurgent), which collectively chronicle a young man's journey from a difficult childhood through intellectual struggle to revolutionary activism during the Paris Commune.

What role did Jules Vallès play in the Paris Commune?

During the Paris Commune of 1871, Jules Vallès was a prominent figure. He was elected as a member of the Commune's Council, representing the 15th arrondissement, and served on the Education Commission. He also founded and edited Le Cri du Peuple, one of the most important newspapers of the Commune, using it to champion its ideals and inform the public.

What were the main themes in Jules Vallès' writing?

Vallès's writing consistently explored themes of social inequality, the injustices of the educational system, the struggles of the working class, and the fight against authoritarianism. His work often depicted childhood oppression, alienation, and the pursuit of freedom and social justice, all framed within a realist and often polemical style.

Was Jules Vallès exiled?

Yes, after the suppression of the Paris Commune in 1871, Jules Vallès was condemned to death in absentia by the French government. He fled into exile, spending nearly ten years primarily in London and Belgium, before a general amnesty allowed him to return to France in 1880.