Atala by François-René de Chateaubriand (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Atala by Chateaubriand. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, as well as a useful introduction to the Romantic movement and the genre of travel writing. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 56-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Chateaubriand
• Presentation of Atala
• Summary of Atala
• Character study
  • Chactas
  • Atala
  • Father Aubry
• Analysis of Atala
  • Romanticism
  • Travel writing
  • Praise of Christianity
  • Publication context

About Atala

Atala first appeared in 1801, and was also published as part of Chateaubriand’s monumental treatise The Genius of Christianity. The story is narrated by Chactas, an elderly Native American patriarch who has spent time in France and feels great admiration for the country. When he was younger, he fell in love with Atala, the Christian daughter of a Seminole chief, only to learn too late that she was concealing a terrible secret. The novel combines exotic descriptions of distant landscapes with an exploration of heightened emotions and praise of Christianity, which made it a key work in the burgeoning Romantic movement.

About Chateaubriand

Chateaubriand was a French writer and politician. He is known in particular for his novels René and Atala, his five-volume treatise The Genius of Christianity and his memoirs. His work was often influenced by his travels, and the exoticism and sentimentality of much of his writing laid the foundations of the Romantic movement in France. Alongside his successful literary career, Chateaubriand was active in politics: he was made a viscount and a member of the House of Peers in 1815, and later served as an ambassador and minister of foreign affairs.