Was Jean-François Marmontel just a name on a street sign? No he was so much more. Here we are at Rue Jean-François Marmontel. It is a tribute to a remarkable man of letters. This street honors Jean-François Marmontel. He was a writer who lived from 1723 to 1799.
Rue Jean-François Marmontel is located in the 15th arrondissement. It is a relatively short street in the Saint-Lambert quarter. It connects Rue de la Convention and Rue Yvart. The street also intersects with Rue Victor-Duruy and Rue de l’Abbé-Groult. The street’s history is divided into two phases. The southern part was once Impasse Fondary. It had a cross shape. It was built on land owned by Monsieur Fondary. He was the mayor of Vaugirard. One branch became Petite Ruelle des Tournelles. It connected to Rue des Tournelles. The other branch became a street in 1888. This happened when Rue de la Convention was created. It was extended in 1904. This extension went from Rue de l’Abbé-Groult to Rue Yvart.
Let’s delve into the life of Jean-François Marmontel. He was born in Bort a small town in Limosin. His life spanned 77 years. These were eventful years in European history. He interacted with many notable people. Marmontel was the son of a poor tailor. His mother recognized his talent for study. She made sacrifices to support his education. He studied at the Jesuit College in Mauriac. Later, he went to academies in Clermont and Toulouse.
Life was not easy for young Marmontel. He gave private lessons to pay for his living. He became a professor of philosophy in Toulouse. Marmontel even received the tonsure. The Jesuits wanted him to join their order.
An incident changed his path. Marmontel wrote an ode. It was titled “On The Invention of Gunpowder”. He submitted it to the Floral Games. It failed to win a prize. Disappointed he sought advice from Voltaire. Voltaire recognized his worth. He encouraged Marmontel to come to Paris.
In 1745 Marmontel went to Paris. He translated Pope’s “Rape of the Lock” during his travels. This translation became his first publication. He became a tutor for a director of the India Company.
For six years he wrote tragedies. His first tragedy “Dionysius the Tyrant” was a success. A fair damsel fell in love with him. He then found other consolations.
Marmontel wrote articles for the “Encyclopaedia” with Diderot. He became the secretary to the Buildings Department. He also directed the Mercure. He published “Contes Moraux” in this journal. Some critics believe his literary reputation rests on these tales.
A parody landed Marmontel in the Bastille. He had recited a satire at Madame Geoffrin’s. It criticized the Duc d’Aumont. He did not reveal the author. This cost him his position at the Mercure. His imprisonment lasted only twelve days. The governor treated him well.
After his release he wrote “Elements of Literature”. He also wrote “Contes Moraux”. He championed religious tolerance in “Belisarius”. This faced censure. Marmontel responded with “The Incas”.
In 1762 the Institute welcomed him. Twenty years later he became the French Academy’s perpetual secretary. He married Mademoiselle de Montigny.
The French Revolution changed his life. He retired to a village. There he wrote “Memoirs of a Father for his Children”. In 1797 he was elected to the Conseil des Anciens. He died in 1799.
Rue Jean-François Marmontel reminds us of a man. He overcame obstacles and left a lasting impact. His writings continue to inspire. Take a moment to remember Jean-François Marmontel.