The Birth and Early Life of André Gide
André Paul Guillaume Gide was born in Paris, France, in 1869. He was the only child of his parents, with his father serving as a law professor at the University of Paris. Tragically, Gide lost his father at the young age of eleven, a loss that marked his early years. Additionally, André experienced many health issues throughout his childhood, contributing to a challenging upbringing.
André Gide’s Educational Journey
Following the untimely death of his father, André grew particularly close to his mother, leading to a somewhat feminine upbringing. His unstable health and emotional struggles affected his education. Consequently, Gide’s academic experience was a blend of private tutoring and formal schooling. He initially received early education at home. However, upon turning eight, he attended the École Alsacienne in Paris. Due to his health circumstances, he was unable to consistently engage in school and eventually returned to learn from private tutors at home.
Professional Life of André Gide
The majority of André Gide’s professional life revolved around his literary works. Below is a summary of his career milestones:
- In 1891, he published his novel “Les Cahiers d’Andre Walter”.
- Between 1893 and 1894, Gide embarked on a journey to North Africa where he explored Arab lifestyles, beliefs, and social customs.
- In 1896, Gide was elected mayor of a town in Normandy, making him the youngest person to hold this position to date.
- From 1926 to 1927, he traveled through French colonies in Africa, including Congo, Chad, and Cameroon. Upon returning to France, he documented his experiences, which significantly influenced anti-colonial resistance.
- In 1942, Gide returned to Africa, settling in Tunisia, where he wrote accounts of his past experiences.
- In 1908, he founded a literary magazine called “La Nouvelle Revue Française”.
- In 1923, he published a book on the Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky.
- In 1924, he released his autobiography, detailing his professional journey.
Awards and Recognitions
André Gide received several notable awards and honors throughout his lifetime, including:
- In 1947, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for his diverse and profound literary contributions that accurately portrayed the human psyche.
- Oxford University honored him in 1947 by conferring an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in recognition of his outstanding literary achievements.
Achievements and Literary Works of André Gide
André Gide authored numerous works, with some of his most notable books listed below:
Corydon
Gide wrote “Corydon” in several parts between 1911 and 1920, with its first commercial edition published in 1924. This book discusses the history of homosexuality across ancient civilizations and addresses societal attitudes toward this subject. In it, Gide openly expresses his own homosexual inclinations, which were not accepted by his community. The book has a total of 161 pages.
The Fruits of the Earth
In 1897, while suffering from tuberculosis, Gide published “The Fruits of the Earth”, which delves into existential themes through the story of a sick child who longs for both physical and spiritual joy, ultimately reconciling with his suffering and accepting the reality of death. This book spans 224 pages.
The Narrow Gate
“The Narrow Gate”, published in 1909, tells the story of a young man named Jérôme who falls in love with his older cousin. Their relationship evolves into a deep and unconventional love, and the narrative explores the fluctuations of human emotions over time, leaving the ending open for reader interpretation. The book contains 141 pages.
The Pastoral Symphony
Published in 1919, “The Pastoral Symphony” inspired a film of the same title released in 1946. The story follows a man living in the mountains who encounters a blind and deaf girl and decides to care for her. The unfolding events reveal the beauty of human emotions as the man and his wife take the orphaned girl under their wing. The book consists of 82 pages.
Excuses
“Excuses”, a 352-page work, offers insights into literary and ethical issues, along with extensive memoirs of Gide’s personal relationships and struggles against those who deemed themselves qualified to judge others. In this compilation of 42 essays, Gide presents his thoughts and ideas in a witty manner that engages readers effectively.
The Counterfeiters
Released in 1925, “The Counterfeiters” candidly addresses sexual issues while critiquing the morals of the middle class in French society and the challenges faced by writers during that era. This volume also incorporates excerpts from Gide’s earlier work, “Les Cahiers”. It spans 551 pages.
The Immoralist
Published in 1902, “The Immoralist” explores the subject of homosexuality through the story of a man who embarks on a journey of self-discovery regarding his sexual orientation after marrying a beautiful woman. As events unfold, he recognizes his same-sex attractions and strives to defend them in defiance of societal norms that condemn such feelings. The book contains 144 pages.
Isabelle
In 1911, Gide published “Isabelle”, which begins in an old mansion in Normandy where a young man named Gérard Lacasse studied years prior after moving from Paris. The narrative centers on his memories, particularly a beautiful girl with whom he became infatuated, illustrating his lifelong curiosity about her and her family from his time in the manor during his studies.
The Death of André Gide
André Gide passed away in Paris on February 19, 1951, at the age of 81. His life was marked by struggles and conflicts between his desires for freedom and the societal constraints that hindered his aspirations and dreams.
Notable Quotes from André Gide’s Works
Here are some of the most famous quotes from André Gide’s writings:
- “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”
- “One cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”
- “Be true to what is within yourself.”
- “Everything has already been said, but since no one was listening, we must start again.”
- “Do not do what someone else can do equally well; do not say or write what someone else might say or write.”
André Gide is regarded as a pivotal figure in the evolution of French literature. He boldly addressed literary and ethical issues within society, regardless of the controversy surrounding some of his ideas or beliefs. Throughout his literary journey, Gide explored human emotions and the various ways to express them.