The Paths of Poetic Inspiration in Renaissance France: From Ficino to the Pléiade
摘要
This chapter explores the profound influence of Neoplatonism on sixteenth-century French literature, particularly during the peak of the Pléiade’s literary activity. The 1540s to 1560s marked the height of Neoplatonic thought in France, shaping poetic theory, artistic expression, and philosophical discourse. Central to this influence was the concept of furor poeticus, a divine inspiration that transcended reason and formal precepts, echoing Platonic ideas. This doctrine not only defined poetic creation as an ecstatic and metaphysical experience but also reinforced the idea of the poet as an intermediary between the human and the divine. Beyond the Pléiade, Neoplatonic thought permeated various literary and philosophical currents, influencing authors and intellectuals across France. Moreover, French literary reception played a crucial role in transmitting Ficino’s Neoplatonic ideas throughout Europe, particularly in England, where they contributed to shaping Renaissance aesthetics and poetic theories. By tracing these intellectual exchanges, this chapter underscores the broader cultural impact of Neoplatonism in early modern European literature, highlighting France’s pivotal role as a conduit for the diffusion of these philosophical and artistic ideals.