The theme of childhood as a source of inspiration in the works of Arthur Rimbaud and Francois Nourissier

[摘要] ENGLISH SUMMARY: The object of this study is to determine the importance of the child's creativity throughthe works of 19thcentury poet, Arthur Rimbaud and the 20th century author, FrançoisNourissier. An attempt is made to present the child's experiences as a central themein the text.In part one of this thesis, reference is made to Rimbaud's poetry and selected letters,believed to have been written between 1869 and 1891. The collections Une Saisonen Enter and Les Illuminations, portraying the child in his creative world, are ofimportance, along with his masterpiece Le Bateau Ivre (±1871). Themes that refer tohis childhood are emphasized.In part two, fourteen of François Nourissier's most important novels are discussed,with specific reference to his autobiographical works. Nourissier believes that hischildhood is responsible for the author he has become.In part three the childhood of both authors is compared, illustrating some of the mostimportant themes. It is not common to compare an author's prose with a poet'spoetry, but because of Nourissier's poetic language and similar themes, it is madepossible. Nourissier needs to delve in his past to find fulfilment in his writing as anadult, while Rimbaud struggles to eternalise the innocence of his childhood in hispoetry.The conclusion drawn from this study, is that the child's socialisation in his family andhis surroundings will remain deeply rooted in his creative thinking. The author canuse negative experiences with success in his works as a therapy or simply as aliberating process by sharing his ideas with society. The value of the author and hiswriting are often questioned, but when the reader can identify with the text, it canhelp him to work with his own creative silences, and to channel these into a positivecreative process. The child that was· exposed to a limited socialisation does not needto remain a victim of his surroundings, but can freely use his innate creativity as agifted artist.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University