Abstract:Nerto is definitely one of the lesser known among Frédéric Mistral’s long texts. Yet, Nerto (published in 1884) gives a rather good view of the author’s state of mind at that period of his life. He summoned the devil because it was time for him to question the evil principle, and what gives meaning to one’s life. He was thus setting aside his sensual lyricism, which permeated Mirèio’s majestic inspiration, where the power of love can save the heroin. In Nerto, he was disclosing his inner suffering in a typical 19th century Pietist undertone.
