Le chemin de l’Alsace

Abstract

Dated 1765, Tristan et Bertrade. Histoire gauloise is the title of a manuscript written by François-Nicolas Pascal de Kerenveyer (1729–1794). Inspired by an essay on ‘l’origine des lettres françoises’ (dated 1664) and dedicated to Mademoiselle d’Arimont, the woman who was to become his wife the following year, it is far removed from his Breton collection Ar farvel göapaër/Le bouffon moqueur. Behind the awkwardness of the romance, the author sheds light on some of the debates of his time. Kerenveyer genuinely seems to be parading sensualism in this text. The actions of Tristan and Bertrade are the product of their all-consuming sensations. However, this romance also reveals the culture of a Breton gentleman in search of recognition.

Keywords

• Kerenveyer (François-Nicolas Pascal de)
• romance
• sensualism
• Breton literature