ABSTRACT
Writers during the initial, moderate phase of the Revolution believed that they could contribute to the regeneration of the nation by offering models of behaviour for the citizens of France. This chapter explores how each of writers initially tried to contribute to the moral regeneration of the nation, and how gradually each found events overtaking his natural inclination towards moderation as the Revolution moved towards its Republican phase. J. P. de Florian's noble background and his early enthusiasm for the Revolution are successfully balanced throughout the novel. Marmontel shares with Florian the publishing device of adding 'nouveau' to the title of his tales to reflect his commitment to the regeneration of the nation. Marmontel made his entire career out of giving the reading public what it wanted, and the Nouveaux Contes moraux represent his response to the early years of the Revolution. By the middle of 1791, Marmontel begins to signal the withdrawal of his moderate support of the Revolution.
