La symbolique du feu et de la flamme dans la littérature - Article invité

Abstract

Symbols of fire and flames display an amazing diversity in the literatures of each era. The motif has different functions and various usages coexist. Fire can be the symbol of divine power, of man’s emancipation from the supernatural (as a sign of man’s dominion over fire), of purification (an aspect which can apply to both soul and body), of reason and creativity (a use which applies to works of the spirit and of art), of life (i.e. man’s physical existence), and of passions, feelings, and strong emotions (particularly of love). This essay proposes to offer a synthesis which explores the different contexts in which this multivalent symbol has been used in various European literatures.