Pour la Plus Grande Gloire de Dieu : Reading History in the Novel

Abstract

This article analyzes the French contemporary novel, Pour la plus grande gloire de Dieu, by Morgan Sportès from the historical and literary perspectives. Based on Roland Barthes' approach in literary criticism, this study uses specific methods in analyzing each perspective of the novel. The study comprises three parts. The first part presents the genesis of the novel and its author. The second part focuses on the socio-historical content, including important events about men in history and the socio-cultural confrontation between France and Siam in the reign of Louis 14th and King Narai. Finally, it analyzes the literary techniques adopted by the author in order to transfer historical events into the novel, namely; structure, plot, intrigues, characters and relevant background. Moreover, the author's tone and writing styles are also important elements that uniquely characterize the novel.