Landscape Space in Novel by Germaine de Stael “Corinne, or Italy”

Abstract

The article touches upon an actual and original theme of identifying the specificity of national character through the description of the landscape space in the artwork. This commitment to understanding the national mentality and its components (national character, ideas, identity) the author finds in the artistic heritage of the French writer of the 19^th century. Highlighted observations in the article are especially relevant today, when the comparative study of people seek experts who study intercultural communication in all fields of human activity. Novelty is in the author’s comments on the urban motives in early French romanticism in Germaine de Stael, and their relationship with the natural images - landscapes. On the novel “Corinne, or Italy” the author shows that the harmony of the characters of Germaine de Stael is primarily manifested in closeness to nature. It is noted that the novel’s characters find true pleasure in contemplation of the landscape, so for a writer it is important to show not only the beauty of nature, but the love of the characters to nature. Analytical observations on the text of the novel G. de Stael give rise to a refined interpretation of the well-known writer’ theory of “northern” and “southern” traditions in Europe literature.