Louis-Honoré Fréchette
Louis-Honoré Fréchette, born on November 16, 1839, in Lévis, Québec, Canada, was a prominent journalist and author recognized for his contributions to French Canadian literature. His career spanned journalism and politics, during which he wrote notable poetry and short stories that have left a lasting impact on the literary landscape. Fréchette opened a law office in 1864 but soon shifted his focus to journalism, founding the Lévis newspaper Le Journal de Lévis in 1865. After a brief period marked by political controversy, he moved to Chicago, where he edited a French newspaper and published his politically charged poem, La Voix d'un exile, in 1866.
His strong French patriotism was a defining aspect of his life, influencing both his political and literary endeavors. Fréchette entered politics in 1871, winning a seat for the Liberal Party in Lévis in 1874 after an initial defeat. Although he was unable to secure a second term, he redirected his political passion into writing, contributing to various liberal publications in Québec and the United States. His work, particularly the long-form poem La Legende d'un people, celebrated French culture and history, showcasing his dedication to his heritage. Fréchette passed away from a stroke in 1908, leaving behind a legacy of literary and political influence.
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Subject Terms
Louis-Honoré Fréchette
Poet
- Born: November 16, 1839
- Birthplace: Lèvis, Quebec, Canada
- Died: May 31, 1908
- Place of death: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Biography
Louis-Honoré Fréchette, pioneering journalist and author, was born at Lévis, Québec, Canada, on November 16, 1839. His career oscillated between journalism and politics, although throughout his life he wrote popular poetry and short stories that are considered significant in the creation of French Canadian literature.
He opened a law office in 1864 but only practiced part time due to other interests, including his work founding the Lévis newspaper, Le Journal de Lévis, in April, 1865. After a short time, he left the paper amidst political controversy, and he then spent five years in Chicago editing a newspaper for the local French community. During this time he published his ambitious and politically-charged poem La Voix d’un exile (1866).
Fréchette’s French patriotism was one of his defining characteristics, both personally and professionally, and it often got him into trouble. He entered politics in Lévis in 1871, first losing his bid to win Lévis’s seat for the Liberal Party in that year’s general election, then winning it on his second attempt in 1874. However, his failure to win a second term spurred him to rechannel his politics back into his writing.
From 1882, Fréchette wrote and edited for a battery of liberal publications in Québec and America. He continued to be a stalwart campaigner for the Liberal Party, although his interactions with individuals within that party were often contentious. Although he received few official appointments during his career, his writing was very politically influential. His articles were credited with influencing important Liberal party victories, and his long-form poem La Legende d’un people (1887), a passionate celebration of French culture and history, was noted for its patriotism. He died from a stroke in 1908.