A Bourgeois Novel in Louis XIV's France: The Homassel Journey

| Posted in: Religion

Journal name: Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions
Original article title: Nicolas Lyon-Caen, Un roman bourgeois sous Louis XIV ? Récits de vies marchandes et mobilité sociale : les itinéraires des Homassel
The journal “Archives of Social Sciences of Religions” publishes advanced research on religion in French, English, and Spanish. It studies the sociology of religions and religious traditions or theologies. It is supported by the INSHS-CNRS (“Institut des Sciences Humaines et Sociales”)
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Subtitle: Limoges, Presses Universitaires de Limoges, 2008, 147 p.

Original source:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.

Author:

Daniel-Odon Hurel


Archives De Sciences Sociales Des Religions:

(Founded in 1956 and published quarterly”)

Full text available for: Nicolas Lyon-Caen, Un roman bourgeois sous Louis XIV ? Récits de vies marchandes et mobilité sociale : les itinéraires des Homassel

Year: 2008 | Doi: 10.4000/assr.19563

Copyright (license): © Archives de sciences sociales des religions


Summary of article contents:

Introduction:

Nicolas Lyon-Caen's work, "Un roman bourgeois sous Louis XIV ? Récits de vies marchandes et mobilité sociale : les itinéraires des Homassel," published in 2008, explores the intricate social and religious dynamics of the Homassel family's merchant life in France during the reign of Louis XIV. Through two distinct documents, including an autobiography and a biography written by Jacques Homassel's daughter, the narrative reveals the complexities of inter-family conflicts, social engagements, and religious practices amid the tensions between Catholics and Protestants prior to the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates how familial and social networks shaped the lives of the Homassels, illustrating their commitment to community through charitable actions, such as establishing schools, while also emphasizing the spiritual direction received from figures like Jean Soanen. The educational experiences of the family's children, rooted in biblical teachings, reflect the broader themes of sacrifice and conversion that permeate their lives, highlighting the enduring impact of religious and social mobility in the context of 17th-century France.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the main focus of Nicolas Lyon-Caen's work?

Nicolas Lyon-Caen's work explores the social and religious experiences of the Homassel family, showcasing their merchant life and interactions within various communities during the reign of Louis XIV.

How does Lyon-Caen illustrate the Homassel family's experiences?

He uses autobiographical and biographical documents to depict their complex social dynamics, religious practices, and the impact of historical events like the revocation of the Edict of Nantes.

Glossary definitions and references:

Theological and religious glossary list for “A Bourgeois Novel in Louis XIV's France: The Homassel Journey”. The list explains important keywords that occur in this and other scholarly articles. It is also linked to the glossary for understanding that concept in the context of History, Religion, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology etc.

1) Merchant:
The term 'Merchant' is central to the narrative, reflecting the lives of the Homassel family who were provincial merchants during Louis XIV's reign. Their journey illustrates the social and economic roles that merchants played, navigating through various towns such as Verdun, Calais, Abbeville, and Paris, showcasing their importance in commerce and society.

2) Religion:
Religion plays a significant role in the Homassel family's life, showcasing the intertwining of faith and daily existence. The accounts reveal the coexistence of Catholics and Protestants, religious practices, and the influence of spiritual figures like Jean Soanen, emphasizing how religion shaped their identities and actions within the community.

3) Family:
The concept of 'Family' is pivotal, as the writings center around the experiences of the Homassel family. Their biographies and memoirs provide insight into the familial relationships, conflicts of interest, and communal obligations that defined their social status, emphasizing the familial bonds that guided their life choices and religious practices.

4) Spiritual:
The word 'Spiritual' encapsulates the inner life and religious devotion of the Homassel family, highlighting their adherence to spiritual leadership and the pursuit of a pious existence. Through the guidance of figures like Soanen, they navigated their spiritual paths, emphasizing the significance of spiritual direction in their lives.

5) Way of life:
This phrase refers to the 'Way of life' adopted by the Homassel family, characterized by their merchant activities intertwined with strong religious beliefs and charitable actions. The family's lifestyle reflects a balance between social status and piety, illustrating how their way of life was shaped by both economy and faith.

6) Pilgrimage:
The term 'Pilgrimage' signifies the devotional journeys undertaken by members of the Homassel family to sacred sites, such as their visits to Notre Dame de Liesse. These pilgrimages illustrate the religious commitments and practices that formed part of their spiritual experiences and community involvement.

7) Experience:
The term 'Experience' captures the nuanced lives of the Homassel family, emphasizing their social mobility, religious practices, and community roles during a transformative period. Their accounts reflect a rich tapestry of experiences shaped by various personal and societal factors, highlighting their journey through adversity and success.

8) Education:
The keyword 'Education' is essential in understanding the upbringing of the Homassel children, who learned to read primarily through biblical stories and psalms. This structured education by emphasizing religious texts fostered a sense of piety and knowledge, shaping their future interactions with the community and their spiritual lives.

9) Child (Children):
The term 'Children' refers to the offspring of the Homassel family, who were educated in religious contexts. Their upbringing is significant as it links to broader themes of tradition, faith, and family expectations, illustrating how the family's commitment to religion affected their children's education and spiritual development.

10) Devotion (Devoted):
The notion of 'Devotion' is central to the Homassel family’s lives, reflecting their commitment to religious practices and the charitable works they undertook. Their acts of devotion are exemplified through community service, contributions to parish life, and participation in spiritual traditions, emphasizing the importance of faith in their daily existence.

11) Donation:
The term 'Donation' emerges as a critical aspect of the Homassel family's engagement with their community, as evidenced by their contributions to schools and parish life. Such donations exemplified their commitment to social responsibility, reflecting the intersection of faith and social hierarchy in their lives.

12) Charity:
'Charity' denotes the altruistic acts practiced by the Homassel family, embodying their religious teachings and commitment to aiding the poor. Their charitable initiatives demonstrated the integral role of charity within their social and religious frameworks, showcasing how their wealth facilitated their giving.

13) Network:
'Network' indicates the social and commercial connections forged by the Homassel family in their merchant activities. The interplay between family relationships and external networks highlights the collaborative nature of their endeavors, revealing how these connections facilitated both economic success and social mobility.

14) Leaf (Leaves):
[see source text or glossary: #Leaves#]

15) House:
The term 'House' refers to the physical and metaphorical residence of the Homassel family, which also became a site of communal and charitable activity. Their donation of a house for educational purposes underscores the significance of physical spaces in their social and religious practices.

16) Woman (Women):
The term 'Women' is significant in the context of the Homassel family, particularly through the biographies of female relatives. The accounts of women's lives provide insights into their roles in spirituality, education, and social responsibilities, emphasizing their important contributions to the family's legacy and community.

17) Calais:
'Calais' represents one of the key locations in the narrative of the Homassel family. As a prominent trading port, Calais was integral to their merchant activities and social interactions, symbolizing the geographical mobility and historical significance of merchant families during the reign of Louis XIV.

18) Paris:
'Paris' acts as a focal point in the Homassel family's journey, representing both a social hub and a center of cultural and religious influence. Their experiences in Paris reflect the aspirations and challenges faced by provincial merchants navigating the complexities of urban life during Louis XIV’s era.

19) Lead:
[see source text or glossary: #Lead#]

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