Time Category in Novel “Corinna, or Italy” by Germaine de Staël

Abstract

The article continues a series of articles devoted to the novel “Corinna, or Italy” by Germaine de Staël, French writer of the 19th century. The article analyzes the system of modelling, typologization and functioning of time plans in the text of the work. The plot-forming and sense-forming functions of time are distinguished. The author of the article also points to the use of perceptual type of temporary construction of the text associated with the subjective author’s narrating. It is argued that this feature of the presentation deepens psychologism and enhances the moral and ethical problems of the novel. It is revealed that the category of time in the novel “Corinna,” in addition to purely rational, acquires additional symbolic significance. The author of the article believes that G. de Staël turns this or that historical time into some additional sign of the event. It is emphasized that the individual author’s symbolism is created in the novel by addressing the ancient history of Italy. It is noted that G. de Staël, without abandoning the traditional methods, also realizes her poetic findings. The author proves that the principles of temporal construction of the novel text evolve in accordance with the writer’s search for new forms.

Keywords

• french literature
• early french romanticism
• g. de staël
• time category