Principle Themes in Selected Novels of Roger Peyrefitte

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to establish and clarify the interrelated themes found in the works of Roger Peyrefitte: the Mediterranean cultural penchant for tolerance and compromise, the universal necessity of self-understanding and self-acceptance, and man's constant pursuit of excellence, as they pertain to the devotees of the cult of youth and beauty in particular, and to the relationship of all individuals to society, in general. In order to concentrate on these specific themes and convey their significance to the reader, I have limited my direct analysis and representation. to what I consider Peyrefitte's four most illustrative novels, although his other writing did play an important role in my ascertaining and understanding his basic themes.