Voyage, folie et écriture chez Nerval

Travel, Insanity and Writing. The Study of Nerval Voyage on Orient by Nerval corresponds with the trend of travel literature developed in France in the 19th century and was influenced by the works of François-René de Chateaubriand and Alphonse de Lamartine. It recounts the writer’s memories of his travels to Vienna and the Middle East. Nerval’s interest in Oriental culture is evidenced by the level of his preparation prior to departure. In order to be fully informed he familarised himself with a wealth of literature on the customs of Arabic countries. He sought to deepen his knowledge further during his travels through Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey. Diagnosed as insane, Nerval was forced to interrupt his travels. In order to demonstrate the improvement in his mental health, Nerval wrote an account of two of his travels. During his stay at the asylum under the care of doctor Blanche, Nerval developed an interest in the idea and origins of insanity and decided to seek answers from the oriental culture.