Antoine Houdar de la Motte, French author (d. 1731)

Antoine Houdar de la Motte: A Prolific Figure of French Classical Literature

Antoine Houdar de la Motte (18 January 1672 – 26 December 1731) was a highly influential French author, dramatist, poet, and literary theorist of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born and deceased in Paris, De la Motte navigated the transition from the strictures of French Classicism towards the burgeoning ideas of the Enlightenment, making significant contributions across various literary genres and famously championing the "Moderns" in a defining intellectual debate of his era.

From Early Setback to Theatrical Success

De la Motte's early literary career was marked by a notable setback. In 1693, his initial foray into comedy, Les Originaux, ou, l'Italien, met with a resounding failure. This profound disappointment led the young author to contemplate a drastic life change, specifically considering joining the Trappists, a strict Cistercian monastic order known for its austere lifestyle and vows of silence. However, this period of despair proved to be a transformative one.

Just four years later, De la Motte found a new, more successful artistic direction, turning his talents to writing librettos for operas and ballets. His work on L'Europe galante (1697), an innovative and popular opéra-ballet, marked a significant turning point, showcasing his versatility and appeal to a broader audience. He subsequently achieved immense recognition for his tragedies, particularly Inès de Castro, which premiered in 1723 at the prestigious Théâtre Français (now known as the Comédie-Française). This emotionally charged and highly successful play solidified his reputation as a master dramatist, celebrated for its moving depiction of tragic love and fate.

Championing the Moderns in a Pivotal Literary Debate

Antoine Houdar de la Motte is perhaps best known for his pivotal role as a fervent champion of the "Moderns" in the celebrated Querelle des Anciens et des Modernes (Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns). This extensive literary and philosophical debate, which raged in France from the late 17th to the early 18th century, pitted advocates of classical antiquity (the "Ancients") against those who believed in the superiority and potential for progress of modern literature and thought (the "Moderns").

De la Motte argued that contemporary French authors, informed by reason and the advancements of their age, could not only equal but potentially surpass the literary achievements of ancient Greece and Rome. He believed that literature should reflect contemporary sensibilities and values, rather than blindly imitating past models. His work Fables nouvelles (1719) was widely regarded as a significant modernist manifesto, challenging traditional forms and themes established by earlier fabulists like Jean de La Fontaine by prioritizing clarity, moral instruction, and a more rational approach.

His boldest statement in this debate came with his "translation" of Homer's Iliad (1714). Remarkably, De la Motte undertook this monumental task without knowing a single word of Greek, basing his verse rendition entirely on the existing French prose translation by Anne Dacier, a prominent "Ancient." This controversial approach allowed him the "liberty to change what [he] thought disagreeable in it," as he famously stated. This was not a faithful translation in the modern sense, but rather a radical reinterpretation, designed to "improve" Homer by applying modern literary sensibilities, simplifying complex narratives, and adhering to classical French dramatic unities.

He further articulated his theoretical arguments in defense of the Moderns in works such as the Discours sur Homère, which served as a preface to his audacious translation of the Iliad, and his Réflexions sur la critique (1716). Throughout this intellectual controversy, De la Motte was celebrated for his intellectual wit, clear argumentation, and remarkable politeness, a stark contrast to the often vitriolic methods employed by some of his opponents, including Anne Dacier herself.

Later Life, Intellectual Circle, and Enduring Legacy

De la Motte's significant contributions to literature and his intellectual prowess were formally recognized in 1710 when he was elected to the Académie française, the pre-eminent French council dedicated to matters concerning the French language. Tragically, he suffered from blindness shortly after his election, a condition that profoundly affected his personal life but did not diminish his intellectual output.

Despite his visual impairment, he maintained an active intellectual and social life, notably engaging in extensive correspondence with the Duchesse du Maine, Anne-Louise Bénédicte de Bourbon, a prominent patron of the arts who hosted a celebrated salon at her Château de Sceaux. He was also a close friend and intellectual peer of Bernard Le Bovier de Fontenelle, another key figure of the early Enlightenment and a fellow "Modern." De la Motte shared with Fontenelle a remarkable freedom from prejudice and a deeply inquiring mind, traits that characterized the dawning Age of Reason.

His enduring reputation largely rests upon the exceptional quality of his prose, which was celebrated for its clarity, elegance, and persuasive power. His ability to express complex philosophical and literary views in a remarkably accessible and engaging manner cemented his place in French literary history. Posthumous collections of his extensive works underscore his prolific output and lasting impact: his Œuvres du théâtre (2 volumes) were published in 1730, followed by his comprehensive Œuvres (10 volumes) in 1754.

Frequently Asked Questions About Antoine Houdar de la Motte

Who was Antoine Houdar de la Motte?

Antoine Houdar de la Motte was an influential French author, playwright, poet, and literary critic of the late 17th and early 18th centuries, renowned for his diverse contributions to literature and his role in the Querelle des Anciens et des Modernes.

What was the "Querelle des Anciens et des Modernes"?

It was a major literary debate in France from the late 17th century, pitting proponents of classical Greek and Roman literature (Ancients) against those who believed modern French literature could surpass ancient works (Moderns). De la Motte was a leading figure among the Moderns.

Why was his "translation" of Homer controversial?

De la Motte translated Homer's Iliad into French verse in 1714 without knowing Greek, basing his work on an existing French prose translation. He controversially "improved" the original to align with modern sensibilities, demonstrating his belief in the superiority of contemporary literary standards over blind adherence to antiquity.

What was the significance of his play Inès de Castro?

Inès de Castro (1723) was an immense success at the Théâtre Français, establishing De la Motte as a master tragedian. Its emotional depth and popular appeal showcased his ability to move audiences and create compelling narratives within the classical dramatic tradition.

What was De la Motte's literary legacy?

His legacy rests on his prolific and diverse body of work, his articulate defense of modern literature in the Querelle des Anciens et des Modernes, and the exceptional quality of his prose. He is seen as a key transitional figure, bridging the strictures of French Classicism with the nascent ideas of the Enlightenment.