Clerambault · Question
How does Clerambault develop the theme of Individual vs. Collective?
Answer
Clerambault by Romain Rolland develops Individual vs. Collective across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The central theme of the book, exploring the conflict between personal conscience and the 'herd-spirit' of the multitude, as the author argues that the individual soul has been submerged by the soul of the crowd and that independent thought must be preserved against the pressure of general opinion.
The chapter contrasts Clerambault's solitary pacifist voice with the herd mentality of the nation at war, and explores Froment's argument for the supreme value of the individual over the collective.
The original title 'L’Un contre Tous' and the note about summoning the personal conscience against the herd-spirit directly engage this theme.
Evidence in the book
- Clerambault
The chapter contrasts Clerambault's solitary pacifist voice with the herd mentality of the nation at war, and explores Froment's argument for the supreme value of the individual over the collective.
- Endnotes
The original title 'L’Un contre Tous' and the note about summoning the personal conscience against the herd-spirit directly engage this theme.