Jean Starobinski Biography

Jean Starobinski was an influential literary critic whose work drew from his profound understanding of classical literature, medicine, and the history of ideas. His criticism, often associated with existential and phenomenological traditions, focused on French literature of the eighteenth century and authors like Rousseau and Diderot, yet extended to other periods and art forms. Starobinski's unique perspective, informed by his medical background, allowed him to explore themes such as melancholy and interpretation with exceptional depth. His analyses are distinguished by their penetrating insights and precise style, establishing him as a pivotal figure in literary scholarship.