MCQ Detailed View

The first Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded in 1901 to Sully Prudhomme, a French poet and essayist. Prudhomme was chosen by the Swedish Academy for his remarkable contributions to poetry, which combined artistic beauty with deep philosophical thought. This marked the beginning of the Nobel Prize in Literature, one of the most prestigious awards in the literary world. Born on March 16, 1839, in Paris, Sully Prudhomme initially studied to become an engineer. However, his passion for literature and philosophy led him to poetry. His early works quickly gained recognition for their elegance, clarity, and moral depth. Among his most famous collections is Stances et Poèmes (1865), which established him as a leading poet of his time.

The Nobel Prize in Literature was established in accordance with the will of Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor of dynamite, who wished to reward those who had made outstanding contributions to humanity in physics, chemistry, medicine, peace, and literature. Prudhomme was honored not only for his literary achievements but also for his idealism and the thoughtful moral tone in his works.

Although Prudhomme’s health declined in his later years, he continued to write essays and poems, influencing the French literary scene. His Nobel Prize victory set the standard for recognizing literary talent worldwide and paved the way for future authors, poets, and playwrights to be acknowledged on a global stage.

The Nobel Prize in Literature continues to be awarded annually by the Swedish Academy in Stockholm, and winning it is considered one of the highest honors in the literary field.

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  Award Year: 1901

  
  


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  Winner: Sully Prudhomme

  
  


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  Nationality: French

  
  


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  Profession: Poet and essayist

  
  


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  Famous Work: Stances et Poèmes (1865)

  
  


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  Awarded By: Swedish Academy

  
  


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  Significance: First-ever Nobel Prize in Literature winner