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'Je cherche fortune' : identity, counterculture and profit in fin-de-siècle Montmartre

This thesis examines the countercultural community in the Parisian neighbourhood of Montmartre during the 1880s and 1890s. This period stands out for its unique cultural atmosphere, heavily influenced by the turbulent advent of modernity. Traditionally accepted norms that dictated individuals' sense of identity were being questioned as new understandings of class, gender, sexuality and nationality gained acceptance. Aspiring artists and writers who sought to express these new identities were excluded from the world of official culture. Many congregated in the traditionally bohemian Montmartre where a sense of belonging to a youthful and energetic community afforded the opportunity to struggle and come to terms with their opposition to dominant ideals. Montmartre became, and continues to be, heavily commercialised but its enduring legacy testifies to its significance as herald of numerous social and cultural changes that would mark the twentieth century.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:QMM.79780
Date January 2002
CreatorsKenny, Nicolas
ContributorsHellman, John W. (advisor)
PublisherMcGill University
Source SetsLibrary and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic Thesis or Dissertation
Formatapplication/pdf
CoverageMaster of Arts (Department of History.)
RightsAll items in eScholarship@McGill are protected by copyright with all rights reserved unless otherwise indicated.
Relationalephsysno: 001984697, proquestno: AAIMQ88654, Theses scanned by UMI/ProQuest.

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