Ideology of Francois-Rene Chateaubriand in the historical context of the enlightenment and romanticism merger

The paper is devoted to Francois-Rene de Chateaubriand, a famous writer, philosopher, diplomat and statesman, who lived at the turn of the 18 th - 19 th centuries, and is recognized as an ancestor of Romanticism. The author examines the main factors that shaped his ideology and reveals the impact of upbringing, education and famous events at the turn of the 18 th - 19 th centuries on the mentality of the writer. The future ideology of Chateaubriand was influenced by his childhood experiences, especially by his life in the ancestral castle in Combourg filled with ancient legends and traditions which determined his interest to the Middle Ages history. Aristocratic origin and upbringing shaped his dedication and commitment to generic and aristocratic traditions, which lasted his whole life. Chateaubriand's classical education also played an important role in shaping his ideology as a writer, diplomat and statesman. The works of educators formed his commitment to constitutional monarchy, the idea of individual liberty, interest in nature and life of primitive society. Chateaubriand's worldview was significantly influenced by the French Revolution, which changed usual order of life and destroyed familiar ideals. His perpetual devotion to the Christian religion was also reflected in his works.