Photograph by François Mauriac.
On a day like today but in 1885, the magnificent French writer François Mauriac was born in Bordeaux. On this day in which 131 years of this anniversary are celebrated, I think it is appropriate to remember in my humble space the winner of the 1952 Nobel Prize in Literature.
Mauriac's life is marked, without any doubt, for the warlike conflicts that accompanied him throughout his life. Perhaps your active involvement in support of your ideals is the best way to define your personality.
In this way he "participated" in World War I as an ambulance driver, was actively involved writing in favor of the republican government during the Spanish Civil War and was part of the French ideological resistance against the German invasion during the Second War. World.
It should be said that he never participated in any combat during the Great War since he was discharged due to illness. The post-conflict period was his most fruitful time in terms of literary production. typing: The kiss to the leper (1922) Genitrix (1923), y The desert of love (1925)
As for the Spanish conflict. The French writer He was part of the French Catholic movement that opted for the fight against fascism. The dualism experienced by Spanish society during this period was also experienced in other countries, Muriac being one of the greatest defenders of the Republic on Gallic soil.
All this struggle was reflected in various publications in the newspapers figaro him y the express where actively participated with his critical writings directed at totalitarianism that emerged and consolidated in Europe during the 30s.
Catholicism and his fervent belief are the result of his childhood in a very conservative family with a strong fervor for religion. This religious influence undeniably characterized his work and life.
Despite his strong faith, Mauriac felt its foundations shake during the deep love crisis that he experienced in the late 20s. Crisis caused by the infatuation of the French by the Swiss writer Bernard Barbey. However, his characteristic Catholicism emerged from this difficult and passionate period.
One of the most significant curiosities revolves around Muriac's relationship with General De Gaulle. Muriac, fervent defender of the figure of de Gaulle, did not hesitate at any time to protect and enhance his figure through his articles in the press. He went so far as to say that de Gaulle needed him.
After the liberation of France his political participation increased significantly due to his positioning for the Algerian cause during the French colonial conflict in the North African territory. Despite receiving threats for this reason, he never hesitated to make his vision of the events prevail.
A man of letters who actively prevailed at all times his will to change, based on his ideas, the world in which he lived. A character linked to his time, to the history of the XNUMXth century.