Jean-Christophe

Historical Context and Significance

Romain Rolland's novel «Jean-Christophe», published in the early 20th century, is one of the significant works of European literature of that time. This epic, consisting of ten volumes, tells the story of the life and creative path of the fictional composer Jean-Christophe Krafft. The book explores themes of the struggle for personal and artistic freedom, the opposition between society and the artist's inner world. Rolland creates a deep psychological portrait of his hero, reflecting ideals of humanism and faith in the power of art. «Jean-Christophe» received wide acclaim for its philosophical depth and literary mastery, influencing subsequent generations of writers and thinkers. The work was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1915, highlighting its significance and contribution to world culture. The novel also played an important role in popularizing the ideas of pacifism and international understanding, which were relevant in the context of the political and social upheavals of the early 20th century.