Le refus d’héroïsme chez le personnage de Jean Giono
The Refusal of Heroism at Jean Giono’s Character

Summary/Abstract: In Jean Giono’s last novels, an exceeding, romantic form of heroism counterweights entertainment. It is the sign of an inner revolution which should be achieved unless one subdues to fears and anguish. A desperate character seeing clearly everything that awaits him, yet radiating happiness: happiness in the ruin or happiness in the crime. What the hero has as a main feature is the opportunity of an absolute beginning, that allows him both the self-achievement and the inner revolution that leads to the conversion of reality into illusion. We must return to the origins of the world, of the self, and take a long journey overcoming deception, excessiveness, deadly desire, in order to eventually attain heroism.

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