Plus-patriote-que-ca ... Patriotic fictions, 1847-1981

Based on the study of four works of fiction produced between 1847 and 1981, we attempt to define the main characteristics of the Patriot as a novelist ic figure. This study confirms Maurice Lemire's analysis of a reluctance to represent the Rebellions and their actors and a hesitation to take a posit ion on the events. Our reading of a restricted corpus also reveals a number of constant elements in the presentation of the historical Patriot: locate d on the margins of official political and military history, the 'real' Pat riot is often not a Patriot. His commitment, while focused on the well-bein g of his family or parish, transcends family and parish limits to reach the universal well-being of humanity. At the same time, attachment to country and family is not inherited directly from the father: in every case, the 'r eal' Patriot has a problem of paternity or filiation, so that the descendan ce of the race of Patriots follows a forking path.