Théodore de Banville and Le Nouveau Décaméron

Abstract

Between 1875 and 1890, Banville published nine volumes of tales, including two new editions of his short stories and tales collected before 1871. This article focuses on the conceptual framework that informed his storytelling practice, particularly his ideas about modernity, his avowed preference for courting a female audience, and the role he played in Le Nouveau Décaméron as the dean of the literary generation born between 1820 and 1830. Mendès offered a place of honour to Banville by naming him king of the storytellers of the first day. He is one of the most faithful collaborators, giving ten tales. We analyse “Tiï,” an unusual and exotic tale, written especially for the eighth day on “Amours lointaines.” The study of Banville’s tales shows that the storyteller remained sensitive to questions of social life, in particular female autonomy.