Digitized Honors Theses (2002-2017)
Date of Award
8-2013
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Degree Name
BS
Department
French
Faculty Mentor
Susan McCready, Ph.D.
Advisor(s)
Christine Eaton, Ph.D., Michael V. Doran, Ph.D.
Abstract
Eugene Vidocq's Brigade de Surete was a groundbreaking institution in many ways, but it also, like the man who founded it, epitomized many 19th century ideas. This paper proposes to show the connections between Vidocq, the Surete, and 19th century French culture through cultural studies methods, using primary, secondary, and literary sources including the memoirs of both Vidocq and his successor, a number of historians' studies on Vidocq, the Surete, and 19th century crime and policing, and the works of Victor Hugo and Honore de Balzac, two emblematic 19th century French writers who took inspiration from the detective-convict. Crime played a major role in 19th century France, capturing a large part of the public imagination; in order to understand this culture, it is necessary to understand its criminals. In addition, the legacy left by Vidocq and his Surete has endured up to the present day in its contributions to modern policing methods, especially the creation of the police detective. This legacy is rooted in 19th century mores, scientific thinking, and overall fascination with crime, criminals, and their thought processes.
Recommended Citation
Pardue, Bridget, "No Honor Among Thieves The Brigade de Surete as an Emblematic Institution of 19th Century France" (2013). Digitized Honors Theses (2002-2017). 54.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/honors_theses-boundprint/54