René Le Bossu, French critic (d. 1680)

René Le Bossu, often simply known as le Bossu, was a significant figure in 17th-century French literary criticism, whose work helped shape the understanding of classical epic poetry during a pivotal era for French literature. Born in the vibrant intellectual hub of Paris on March 16, 1631, Le Bossu embarked on a scholarly path from a young age. He pursued his education at Nanterre, a center for learning that prepared him for a life of intellectual inquiry. By 1649, his commitment to scholarly and spiritual life led him to become a regular canon of the prestigious Abbey of St Genevieve. This role placed him within one of Paris's prominent religious and intellectual communities, where canons, often learned individuals, combined their ecclesiastical duties with academic pursuits, a common pathway for scholars of his time.

Le Bossu's foray into the published world began in 1674 with Parallèle des principes de la physique d'Aristote et de celle de René Descartes (Parallel of the Principles of Aristotle's Physics and René Descartes's Physics). This ambitious work aimed to bridge the perceived chasm between the ancient philosophical traditions of Aristotle, long dominant in scholastic thought, and the burgeoning, revolutionary ideas of René Descartes, whose rationalist philosophy was then reshaping European intellectual landscapes. In an age often characterized by debates between 'Ancients' and 'Moderns,' Le Bossu sought to demonstrate an underlying concordance between these two titans of thought. However, despite its intriguing premise, the book received a largely indifferent reception, suggesting that his attempt at synthesis perhaps did not resonate widely with the philosophical currents of the time.

Just a year later, in 1675, René Le Bossu published the work that would cement his legacy: Traité du poème épique (Treatise on Epic Poetry). This treatise focused on the classical epic, a genre held in the highest esteem, tracing its origins and defining its structural and thematic elements. The Traité immediately garnered high praise, most notably from Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux, a literary arbiter whose opinions held immense sway in 17th-century France. Boileau, known as the 'legislator of Parnassus' for his definitive pronouncements on classical aesthetics and poetic rules, endorsing Le Bossu's work significantly elevated its standing. At the core of Le Bossu's leading doctrine was a profoundly classical view: he argued that the subject or fable of an epic poem should be conceived before the characters are invented, and that the action ought to be meticulously arranged without primary reference to the specific personages who would eventually populate the scene. This formalist approach, emphasizing universal themes and structural integrity over individual character development, perfectly aligned with the neoclassical ideals prevalent in French literature of the era, which valued order, reason, and adherence to established rules. The enduring influence of Traité du poème épique is evident in its numerous reprints and its translation into English, making it a foundational text for understanding classical literary theory across Europe for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions about René Le Bossu

Who was René Le Bossu?
René Le Bossu was a prominent French literary critic and a regular canon of the Abbey of St Genevieve in 17th-century Paris, best known for his influential treatise on epic poetry.
When did René Le Bossu live?
He lived from March 16, 1631, until March 14, 1680, a period of significant intellectual and literary development in France.
What is René Le Bossu famous for?
Le Bossu is primarily famous for his work Traité du poème épique (Treatise on Epic Poetry), which codified the rules and principles of classical epic poetry and was highly praised by influential figures like Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux.
What were his main contributions to literary criticism?
His most significant contribution was his systematic analysis of epic poetry, particularly his doctrine that the plot or subject should be determined before the characters, reflecting a formalist, classical approach to literary creation. He also attempted to reconcile Aristotelian and Cartesian physics in an earlier, less successful work combining ideas from Aristotle and Descartes.
Why was Traité du poème épique so significant?
The Traité du poème épique was significant because it provided a comprehensive and authoritative definition of the epic genre according to classical principles. Its endorsement by Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux gave it immense credibility, leading to its widespread study, numerous reprints, and translations, thus shaping European literary theory for decades.