Passions and dépassionnement Séidisme and honor in Servitude et grandeur militaires

This article examines the case of séidisme, a fundamental concept in Vigny’s vocabulary of the passions in Servitude et grandeur militaires. In this novel, the writer’s literary gestures are therapeutic gestures: to diagnose the disease—and thus define the séidisme; to treat the affliction—and thus purge the passions, to aim for catharsis; and finally, to restore the patient's health and ensure his recovery—thereby promoting honor.