"L’histoire secrète de notre cœur" De Massillon au premier romantisme

This paper analyses Massillon’s influence over first-generation Romantics, and the reasons which may explain the huge repercussions of his eloquence until the mid-19th century (in contrast with his oblivion hereafter). Romantics were sensitive to the deep melancholy which exudes from Massillon’s psychological developments: indeed, the preacher insists on the world’s vain ecstasy, on man’s fundamental dissatisfaction and on the “horrible disgust” following vain hopes.