Symposium “Jean d’Ormesson: Encountering Chateaubriand Through the Centuries”

The symposium “Jean d’Ormesson: Encountering Chateaubriand Across the Centuries” explores the profound connections between these two iconic figures of French literature.

This literary event, held under the patronage of the Académie Française, will be a unique opportunity to explore Chateaubriand’s legacy through the lens of Jean d’Ormesson’s work. Deeply rooted in French literary history, Chateaubriand remains a pioneer of Romanticism, while Ormesson offers a fresh and captivating perspective on this seminal author.

• The Reunion of Jean d’Ormesson and Chateaubriand The symposium, scheduled to take place at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Ulm on December 5, 2025, promises to be a landmark event. Numerous speakers will gather to share their reflections on the classic works of both writers. Several points regarding the significance of this reunion deserve highlighting. An exploration of similarities:
• Jean d’Ormesson and Chateaubriand, though separated by centuries, share striking commonalities. Their love for Italy, their reflections on women, and their taste for liberalism are all themes that run through their respective works. A cornerstone of French literature:
• Chateaubriand’s importance in the literary landscape cannot be overstated. Through his works, he paved the way for French Romanticism while incorporating autobiographical elements that still resonate today. A modern perspective:

Join the symposium “Jean d’Ormesson: Encountering Chateaubriand Across the Centuries” to explore Chateaubriand’s influence on Jean d’Ormesson’s work over time.

Creating a Dialogue Between Eras

Sur le meme sujet

In addition, participants will be able to attend presentations, lectures, and film screenings. For example, Sébastien Baudoin’s presentation on “Jean d’Ormesson, Chateaubriand’s Biographer: Through the Looking Glass” will be particularly anticipated, offering insights into lesser-known aspects of the two authors’ biographies.

Sébastien Baudoin

Jean d’Ormesson, Chateaubriand’s biographer

4:00 PM

• Charles-Eloi Vial Chateaubriand, Napoleon, and Jean d’Ormesson
• These presentations clearly demonstrate the power of literary debate. Indeed, the sharing of ideas, critical assessments, and the examination of reciprocal generational influences illustrate the vitality of the literary heritage.
• Exploring the Literary Heritage Jean d’Ormesson’s art of denouncing society’s flaws could be strengthened by Chateaubriand’s historical reflections. Through his analysis of literary characters and the conflicts present in his works, and echoing contemporary thought, a new dimension is given to French writing.

Sur le meme sujet

Chateaubriand’s quest through his ancestors is also found in d’Ormesson’s work, where each character evokes an era and the values ​​of their time.

Humanism:

Through their analysis, humanism emerges as the driving force of their writings, propelling literature toward universal questions of belonging and the search for truth.

• Intertextuality: The intertextuality between their works allows us to rediscover our literary past through a modern lens.
• Participate in the symposium “Jean d’Ormesson: Encountering Chateaubriand Across the Centuries” to explore the influence and connections between these two great authors throughout literary history.
• Contemporary Implications of this Symposium

The exchanges among participants will allow for reflection on the impact of their works on contemporary society, particularly regarding freedom of expression, the search for identity, and literary aesthetics. This will be an opportunity to examine how classic works continue to illuminate the issues facing modern society.

Freedom of Expression:

Chateaubriand’s thoughts on freedom of expression resonate with contemporary reflections on censorship.

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