French gallantry

5 ABSTRACT This bachelor's thesis deals with the phenomenon called "French gallantry" of the 17th century and its various aspects, including etymology, its impact on a certain degree of women's emancipation, preciosity, contemporary manners, salons, gallant love and eroticism, as well as its demise associated with the advent of the French Revolution. The thesis examines the origin of the term "gallantry" whose main significance lies in courteous behaviour towards women and each other. Emphasis is placed on the role gallantry played in women's emancipation, helping them gain social recognition. Inextricably linked to this are salons, the environments that promoted the intellectual exchange of ideas. The thesis also delves into an analysis of gallant literature of the 17th century focusing on themes of love and eroticism, and how they were portrayed in works of the time. The pre-Romantic period put an end to this social phenomenon, focusing on a completely different proclamation of feelings. This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of French gallantry, using a literary approach based on the analysis texts and works from the period. KEYWORDS French gallantry, a social phenomenon, a gallant ma