Abstract:
Determines the ways in which G�rard de Nerval overcomes his destiny by the creation of literary works which are the antithesis of his mental disarray. The study deals with the different ways in which Nerval's preoccupation with the - mostly fatal - forces of destiny manifests itself in his works. The image of the archetypal woman in the writings of Nerval is studied. It is shown that through this image the author struggles to overcome his mental illness by giving some position meaning to his destiny. The study also examines 'The Dream' which, like the archetypal image of the woman, becomes an instrument of redemption in the hands of the poet. Nocturnal dreams are distinguished from the diurnal dream, concentrating mainly on 'Aur�lia' which is the careful account of a series of dreams experienced by the author at the time of a mental breakdown. The study deals with the theme and ideal of wholeness as represented by the image of the circle, an ideal which finds its full expression in the literary creation of the author. We thus witness the transformation of the author's fate (his mental illness) into a meaningful destiny by means of his writings, the language of which is so pure and so lucid as to reflect the wholeness and perfection attained by its author. There is an analysis of this language of wholeness, which reveals that Nerval, by means of his literary performance, succeeds in transforming his fatal illness into an instrument of redemption.
