Romain Rolland dans le contexte suisse de la Grande Guerre

Romain Rolland incarne la figure de l'antihéros : écrivain connu et reconnu à travers le monde grâce au succès littéraire de Jean-Christophe, il tombe à partir de 1914 dans une dissidence intellectuelle dont il ne parvient pas à se sortir. L'article "Au-dessus de la Mêlée" est asséné depuis la Suisse, lieu de refuge pour de nombreux européens voulant demeurer libres. Il devient à l'échelle du monde un exemple à suivre. Ses articles, sa correspondance et sa posture sont observés, relayés, admirés. La diffusion de ses idées et de ses écrits touche l'Europe et le monde. Que cela plaise ou que cela irrite, malgré les acteurs en présence et les nationalismes exacerbés par les circonstances du conflit, il assume ses paroles et ses actes. Il adresse au monde un message humaniste afin de défendre la Justice et la Vérité.The story of Romain Rolland is that of an antihero. The literary success of his epic novel, Jean-Christophe, turned him into an internationally famous and well-respected writer; but, from 1914 onwards, he became trapped in the role of intellectual dissident, and would never really break free from it. His controversial article entitled "Au-dessus de la Mêlée" ("Above the Crowd") was written in Switzerland, which had become a refuge for many intellectuals. He became an inspiration for people the world over. They paid close attention to his articles, his correspondence and his attitude, and discussed and admired them. The dissemination of his ideas and of his writing had a huge impact on Europe and on the wider world. What he was saying appealed to some, and outraged others; and in particular, often offended the nationalistic feelings that were being exacerbated by the conflict – but he always took full responsibility for his words and actions. He put forward a humanist message to the world, in defence of Justice and Truth