Atala by François-Auguste-René de Chateaubriand
ou Les Amours de deux sauvages dans le désert
"Atala" is a romantic novella set in the wilderness of the American South, blending the natural landscape with the tragic love story of its protagonists. The narrative follows Chactas, a Native American man, who recounts his youthful love affair with Atala, a half-European, half-Native American woman. Their love is challenged by cultural differences and Atala's vow of chastity, which she made to her mother. The story is imbued with themes of passion, religion, and the noble savage, and it reflects on the conflict between duty and desire. Ultimately, the novella is a poignant exploration of forbidden love and the sacrifices made in its name, set against the backdrop of a disappearing natural world and the encroachment of European civilization.
The 13248th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1801
- Nationality
- French
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 100-150
- Words
- 30,000
- Original Language
- French
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 1 lists:
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)