Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau Analysis

One thing's for sure, Rousseau had some seriously itchy feet. For that reason, it doesn't make sense to talk about a singular setting in The Confessions. Instead, we need to talk settings plural, a...

Rousseau's not going to let anyone steal his thunder. The Confessions are all about one guy, and don't you forget it. He even puts himself in the title. Just because Rousseau's the only guy narrati...

We'll be the first to admit it: Rousseau has a pretty fascinating life. He's hanging out with Diderot, arguing with Voltaire, and writing awesome comic operas in less than a week. No wonder he thin...

Rousseau doesn't have a problem outlining all of his flaws. He's pretty harsh on himself, actually: "Thus, before my future career was decided, I wasted the most precious period of my childhood in...

Hold Onto Your HatsWhat makes up a musing writing style, exactly? Think about your middle-school diary. You can't help but pack in every minor detail about the Friday night dance, even though you k...

The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau is pretty straightforward. Rousseau is bound and determined to be as truthful as possible, even if it means including some pretty salacious detail. By stick...

Rousseau's a writer, so he's obviously pretty concerned with how his audience will interpret his life's work. It's a little weird to end with a close-up of Rousseau reading his book to his buddies,...

On one level, The Confessions can be read like a collection of overshare moments from one of your closest friends. Feel free to kick back and read about all the shameful stuff that the history book...

His Middle Name is TroubleLittle Rousseau has an awesome time growing up in Geneva, Switzerland, even though he has a knack for getting in trouble. The kiddo's dad also has a knack for getting in t...

Anticipation StageRousseau has no clue how awesome his childhood is. He frolicks around, getting into mischief and reading every book he comes across. All those books give him a pretty good underst...

Rousseau has an idyllic childhood romping around Geneva with his cousin Bernard. He learns a little bit of Latin and tries to be a good apprentice, but he ends up relying on a rich lady for support...

Ever thought about making a Rousseau pilgrimage? You wouldn't be the first. Real "Rousseaumaniacs" follow in his footsteps and eat an elaborate banquet dedicated to his culinary tastes. (Source) Ro...

Rousseau's intention—nay, his duty—is to describe every single titillating encounter in precise detail. Let's just say that we're surprised how exact his memories are, on occasion. After all, t...

Literary and Philosophical References Racine, Mithradates (5.1.53)Voltaire, Philosophical Letters (5.1.59), Poem on the Destruction of Lisbon (9.1.50)Confessions of the Count de X X X (7.1.12)The E...