The word "Parnassien" is spelled with two 'n's, one after the 'a' and another after the 's.' The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /paʁ.na.sjɛ̃/. The 'a' sound is pronounced as in 'father,' the 'r' sound is rolled, and the 's' sound is unvoiced. The 'j' sound is pronounced as in 'jeopardy,' and the nasal 'n' sound is pronounced by lowering the velum, allowing air to escape through the nose. This word refers to a member of a group of French poets who lived in the late 19th century.
Parnassien refers to a member or follower of the Parnassian school of French poetry, which emerged in the late 19th century. The term is also used to describe the characteristics and principles associated with this movement. The Parnassians were inspired by the ideals of clarity, precision, and objectivity in poetry, in contrast to the more subjective and emotional elements prevalent in Romanticism.
A Parnassian poet aimed to create refined and polished verses, often characterized by strict adherence to formal structures such as regular meter and rhyme schemes. Their poetry focused on the observation and description of the external world, emphasizing vivid imagery, careful word choices, and attention to detail. Parnassians sought to evoke a sense of beauty, balance, and harmony through their work.
Although some Parnassian poets expressed a preference for classical themes and references, the movement was not limited to such subject matter. Parnassian poetry also explored diverse topics, ranging from nature and mythology to social criticism and introspection.
Overall, Parnassian poetry aimed to achieve a sense of aesthetic perfection and intellectual elegance through its disciplined craftsmanship. It positioned itself as a reaction against the emotional excesses of Romanticism, championing a more objective and restrained approach to poetic expression. The Parnassians' focus on technical mastery and their disciplined approach to verse contributed to shaping the landscape of French poetry in the late 19th century.
The word "Parnassien" is derived from "Parnassus", which refers to Mount Parnassus, a mountain in central Greece. In Greek mythology, Mount Parnassus was the dwelling place of the Muses, who were the goddesses of inspiration for literature, science, and the arts.
In the mid-19th century, a literary movement known as "Parnassianism" emerged in France. Parnassian poets, influenced by classical Greek and Roman poetry, aimed to create objective and technical verses, emphasizing craftsmanship and formal perfection. They sought inspiration from the Muses of Mount Parnassus, hence the name "Parnassian". The movement was characterized by its strict adherence to form, meticulous attention to detail, and strong emphasis on classical aesthetics.