The Radical Self: Metamorphosis to Animal Form in Modern Latin American Narrative by Nancy Gray Díaz (review)

Abstract

developed a clearer definition of romanticism. The formation of the Cénacle in 1827 united the romantics, but they still needed "a philosophy, a theory, a clear doctrine of romanticism" (223). The romantics experienced some victory in prose, poetry, and drama. In 1829, their leader, Victor Hugo, realized they needed a "stage production of unassailable quality" in order to silence the diehards; furthermore, "he felt that such a drama should be his" (239). The French romantic struggle ended with the première of Hugo's play, Hernani, on 25 February 1830. With Hernani, theoretical discussions were over. Romanticism had found its definition. Romantic drama was a reality and, furthermore, this new aesthetic was accepted by Parisian society. Comeau has succeeded in giving the reader a relatively complete overview of the thirty-year French romantic struggle. I agree with him that Diehards and Innovators will serve well "as an interim handbook or guidebook for a readership composed of historians of the Restoration, as well as specialists and students interested in comparative and French literature" (viii). However, most English-speaking readers will find the overwhelming number of quotations in French insurmountable.