Aspectos da sociabilidade oitocentista: o «jornal francês» L’Abeille (1840-1841)

Abstract

This paper intends to present a brief analysis of meaning in the discourse of two main sections included in the «Social chronicle» published by L’Abeille. The «Nouvelles de la Cour» and the «Nouvelles de la Ville» were written by the founder and director of the journal. Often called «the French journal of Lisbon», L’Abeille was addressed to the cultivated bourgeoisie not long after the end of the Civil War (in 1834). The «Nouvelles» were meant to promote a new model of living and thinking deeply influenced by F. de Andrada’s own vision of french society. They are also the expression of his cultural and ideological choices, which he fostered through a constant and tireless strategy of persuasion. Although it was read by a scarce number of people, L’Abeille did help to put them in touch with European forms of sociability. After the fights which uprooted the old régime and were to change mentalities, the urgency of this task was generally felt. The discourse in the «Nouvelles», however, shows it was a difficult one. On evaluating these texts one should have in mind the specific context in which Portuguese intellectuals, of all levels, tried hard, if not successfully, to make up for a long period of cultural, social and economical inertia.