André Gide and the heroic

Abstract

The subject of this study is an investigation of André Gide’s view of the hero and his ideas on the heroic. We will trace the development of this theme from the emergence of Gide’s heroic ideal in adolescence to the creation of his first fully heroic character, Philoctète. An assessment will then be made of the various aspects of this heroic ideal; the importance of freedom in the life of the hero, the faith of the hero, and heroic ethics. We shall also consider the social and political implications of Gide’s view of the heroic, particularly in the context of the rise of Nazism and the Second World War -- Emphasis will be placed throughout on both Gide’s personal opinoin of the heroic, and on the various types of heroism he portrays in his works. In treating the former, reference will be made to Gide’s “heroic models” - the thinkers and writers who influenced him in this area.