Abstract

This collection of essays considers the political, social, literary and artistic impact of the pervasive dichotomy of truth and lies in the context of French society and culture. A fundamental element of our social existance, the notion of le mensonge underpins how we participate in and respond to all aspects of society, from the political process to the capacity of art, literature and other aesthetic forms to fulfill a representative function. This book explores the ways in which French society and culture is regulated by the overriding oppositional structure of truth and lies, and the impact this has on both collective and individual existence. The theme brings together research from diverse disciplines of the Humanities, from political science to literature, film, music and visual arts, in a work that will be of great relevance to a wide range of students and researchers alike. As such, the theme serves as a means of gaining an insight into the range and scope of research currently being conducted in French studies. The book will be useful as a support text for a range of academic courses including those in the fields of cultural studies, literary studies, political studies and sociology. On a larger scale, it posits the theme's potential to develop as an independent area of study, and offers a starting point for future academic study devoted to the idea of le mensonge.