Jouve, Pierre-Jean

(1887-1976)

   poet and novelist

   Born in Arras, Pierre-Jean Jouve was inspired by the tragic aspects of the human condition and was strongly influenced by psychoanalysis and Christian mysticism. His works often have an apocalyptic vision (Inconscient, spiritualité et catastrophe, 1933) and a sensuality coupled with sin. in his poems (Sueur de sang, 1933-35; Gloire 1942; La Vierge de Paris, 1944-46) there is also a sense of the tortured and the tragic. His collections (Diadème, 1949; Langue, 1952; Mélodrame, 1957; Moires, 1962, Ténèbre, 1965) are marked by Taoist philosophy. The prolific Jouve's other works include Paulina 1880 (1925); Le Monde désert (1927); a double work, Aventure de Catherine Crachat (Hécate, 1928, Vagadu, 1931) and La Scène capitale (1935), which offers a familiar theme of the union of eros and death. Jouve is also the author of several essays on music (Le Don Juan de Mozart, 1942; Wozzeck ou le Nouvel Opéra, 1953) and art (Tombeau de Baudelaire, 1942; Défense et Illustration, 1943).