Les images de la France dans De «Pleins Pouvoirs» à «Sans Pouvoirs» de Jean Giraudoux

Abstract

In this article, we tried to identify political, ideological and mythological components in Giraudoux’s discourse on France. We could observe two main images, linked with two nationalist currents, traditionally present in French political life from Revolution until now: an eternal and brilliant France which principal aspiration is freedom. And a frightened one focused on her racial purity and convinced that she entered in a decadence period. We also wanted to demonstrate that these two imaginary figures of France were linked to Giraudoux’ own fictional mythology, as we find similar structures such as the regret of a lost Eden, temptation for self-centred life, fear of otherness, and a particular relation to ideals.