In the first decade of a new century, this collection of bilingual essays examines Camus’s continuing popularity for a new generation of readers. In crucial respects, the world Camus knew has changed beyond all recognition: decolonization, the fall of the Iron Curtain, a new era of globalization and the rise of new forms of terrorism have all provoked a reconsideration of Camus’s writings. If the Absurd once struck a particular chord, Meursault is as likely now to be seen as a colonial figure who expresses the alienation of the settler from the land of his birth. Yet this increasing orthodoxy must also take account of the reasons why a new community of Algerian readers have embraced Camus. Equally, once isolated because of his anti-Communist stance, Camus has been taken up by disaffected members of the Left, convinced that new forms of totalitarianism are abroad in the world. This volume, which ranges from interpretations of Camus’s literary works, his journalism and his political writings, will be of interest to all those seeking to re-evaluate Camus’s work in the light of ethical and political issues that are of continuing relevance today.

Cet ouvrage est destiné à aider les candidats au CAPES de Lettres modernes dans leur préparation des différentes épreuves du concours. Il a été conçu pour permettre aux étudiants de travailler de façon autonome. Le lecteur trouvera donc, dans cet ouvrage, un guide complet du concours. L'épreuve sur dossier, encore mal connue des candidats, fait l'objet d'un développement particulièrement substantiel. Chaque partie explicite les attentes du jury et comporte de nombreux conseils de méthode ainsi que des sujets intégralement corrigés.

This collection gives a diversified account of world literature, examining not only the rise of the concept, but also problems such as the relation between the local and the universal, and the tensions between national culture and global ethics. In this context, it focuses on the complex relationship between Chinese literature and world literature, not only in the sense of providing an exemplary case study, but also as an introspection and re-location of Chinese literature itself. The book activates the concept of world literature at a time when it is facing the rising modern day challenges of race, class and culture.