Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Alfred de Musset

Role / Field:

French dramatist, poet, and novelist known for 'Confession of a Child of the Century'

Born:

1810-12-11

Died:

1857-05-02

Century / Era:

1810s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Alfred Louis Charles de Musset-Pathay (French: [alfʁɛd də mysɛ]; 11 December 1810 – 2 May 1857) was a French dramatist, poet, and novelist. Along with his poetry, he is known for writing the autobiographical novel La Confession d'un enfant du siècle (The Confession of a Child of the Century). Musset was born in Paris. His family was upper-class but poor; his father worked in various key government positions, but never gave his son any money.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Musset's mother came from similar circumstances, and her role as a society hostess – for example her drawing-room parties, luncheons and dinners held in the Musset residence – left a lasting impression on young Alfred. An early indication of his boyhood talents was his fondness for acting impromptu mini-plays based upon episodes from old romance stories he had read. Years later, elder brother Paul de Musset would preserve these and many other details, for posterity, in a biography of his famous younger brother. Alfred de Musset entered the lycée Henri-IV at the age of nine, where in 1827 he won the Latin essay prize in the Concours général at age 17. With the help of Paul Foucher, Victor Hugo's brother-in-law, he began to attend...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn — Shared historical date (12-11 · Born) (1918): Dissident author who exposed Soviet repression, notably the Gulag system.
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• 1810 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1810
• December 11 (12-11) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on December 11
• 1857 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1857
• May 2 (05-02) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 2

Frequently Asked Questions about Alfred de Musset