Académie Française

Definition

The Académie Française is a prestigious institution established in 1635 that serves as the official authority on the French language and literature. Founded by Cardinal Richelieu, it aimed to standardize and preserve the French language, promoting its literary and cultural significance. The Académie's influence extended beyond language, impacting French theatre, literature, and the arts during a time of significant cultural development in France.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Académie Française consists of 40 members known as 'les immortels,' who are responsible for overseeing the dictionary of the French language and its usage.
2. It plays a key role in defining and regulating the French language by creating grammatical rules and approving new words.
3. The Académie has had a profound impact on French theatre by influencing playwrights and setting standards for dramatic literature.
4. Richelieu saw the Académie as a means to promote a unified national identity through language, especially during a time of political turmoil in France.
5. Over time, the Académie has evolved to include members from diverse fields including science, art, and philosophy, reflecting broader cultural developments in France.

Review Questions

• How did Cardinal Richelieu's establishment of the Académie Française reflect his broader goals for French society?
  • Cardinal Richelieu established the Académie Française to standardize the French language and promote a sense of national identity amid political instability. By creating an authoritative body to regulate language, he aimed to unify France culturally and linguistically. This move not only strengthened the monarchy's control over society but also elevated the status of French culture and arts during his tenure as Chief Minister.
• Discuss the relationship between the Académie Française and the development of Classicism in French theatre.
  • The Académie Française played a pivotal role in shaping Classicism in French theatre by enforcing rules regarding structure, decorum, and themes in dramatic works. Its standards encouraged playwrights to produce plays that adhered to classical principles of unity, clarity, and moral instruction. This influence helped establish a distinctive tradition within French theatre that prioritized intellectual rigor and artistic refinement during the 17th century.
• Evaluate how the influence of the Académie Française has transformed over time in response to changes in French culture and society.
  • The influence of the Académie Française has transformed significantly over time as it adapted to changes in French culture and society. Originally focused on preserving traditional language and literature, it has expanded its mandate to address contemporary issues like linguistic diversity and globalization. The inclusion of members from various fields reflects this evolution, allowing it to engage with modern challenges while still maintaining its foundational role in regulating the French language and promoting literary excellence.

Related terms

Cardinal Richelieu:

A powerful French clergyman and statesman who served as Chief Minister to King Louis XIII, known for strengthening the central authority of the monarchy and establishing the Académie Française.

Classicism: An artistic and literary movement in France that emphasized order, harmony, and restraint, heavily influenced by the rules and standards promoted by the Académie Française.

French Language: The Romance language that evolved from Latin and became a significant language of culture, diplomacy, and the arts, which the Académie Française sought to regulate and enrich.