French Literature Reviews - 2026
B. Buffard-Moret, Le langage de la littérature. Introduction à la stylistique
Literary Theory, Linguistics and Stylistics
Le langage de la littérature
Introduction à la stylistique
Brigitte Buffard-Moret
A. Colin
Published: 22/01/2020
Stylistic analysis is an integral part of literary commentary: interpreting a text requires rigorous observation of its linguistic devices. This is why stylistics is a staple of several competitive examinations for literature teachers. To successfully conduct a stylistic analysis, which textual elements should one focus on? How do we transition from formal observation to semantic interpretation? These are some of the questions this book answers by outlining the fundamental concepts of stylistic analysis, illustrated with a diverse range of literary examples, each accompanied by an interpretive commentary.
Contents
Textual Organization. Enunciation Devices. Syntactic Components of the Text. Lexical Devices. Rhetoric and Figures of Speech. Exercises. Answer Key.
Stylistics has long occupied a central position in French literary studies, serving as a bridge between linguistics and literary criticism. In academic contexts, particularly within competitive examinations for literature teachers, candidates are expected to demonstrate a precise command of textual mechanics. By examining how formal structures generate meaning, this discipline moves beyond impressionistic readings to offer a methodical investigation of a text's internal workings. Brigitte Buffard-Moret's volume outlines the fundamental concepts of stylistic analysis, covering syntactic components, lexical devices, and figures of speech.
To address the transition from formal observation to semantic interpretation, the volume outlines fundamental concepts illustrated with literary examples. The study of textual organization and enunciation devices is supported by a diverse range of literary examples, each paired with its own interpretive commentary. Additionally, the volume includes exercises and an answer key. Readers interested in the fundamentals of stylistic analysis and literary commentary may find this introduction relevant.