Literature: 1915

Rolland, Romain, pronounced raw LAHN, raw MAN (1866-1944), a French author, won the 1915 Nobel Prize for literature. His reputation is based on his 10-volume novel Jean-Christophe (1904-1912), the story of a young German-born musician somewhat resembling Ludwig van Beethoven. Rolland called the work a roman-fleuve, by which he meant that its form corresponded to the unpredictable whims of life, rather than to any preconceived design or plot. In Jean-Christophe, Rolland criticized modern civilization and commented on the artist's place in society. The novel expresses Rolland's idealism, his opposition to egotism and hypocrisy, and his love of courage, sincerity, and enthusiasm. Rolland was born in Clamecy in Burgundy.

Contributor: Elaine D. Cancalon, Ph.D., Professor of French, Florida State University.