Meaning: The quote "First I went to the Sorbonne to do my licence en lettres, but I also started to study law" by Claude Chabrol, the renowned French film director, offers a glimpse into his academic pursuits and the diverse fields of study he engaged in during his formative years. Claude Chabrol was a prominent figure in the French New Wave cinema movement, known for his distinctive directorial style and exploration of complex human relationships and societal dynamics in his films. However, his early academic experiences at the Sorbonne and his foray into the fields of literature and law also played a significant role in shaping his intellectual and creative development.

The Sorbonne, formally known as the University of Paris, holds a prestigious status as one of the most esteemed educational institutions in France and has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. Chabrol's decision to pursue his "licence en lettres" at the Sorbonne reflects his interest in the humanities and literature. The "licence en lettres" refers to a bachelor's degree in humanities or liberal arts, encompassing subjects such as literature, philosophy, history, and languages. This academic pursuit indicates Chabrol's early inclination towards the exploration of human expression, cultural heritage, and the complexities of human experience, themes that would later manifest in his cinematic works.

Simultaneously, Chabrol's decision to also study law during his time at the Sorbonne demonstrates his multidisciplinary approach to education and intellectual curiosity. The field of law, with its emphasis on justice, societal norms, and the complexities of human behavior within legal frameworks, likely provided Chabrol with a unique perspective that would influence the thematic depth and moral quandaries present in many of his films. The intersection of literature and law in Chabrol's academic pursuits hints at the intricate narratives and ethical dilemmas that would become central to his directorial oeuvre.

Chabrol's experience at the Sorbonne, where he engaged with both the humanities and the legal domain, underscores the interdisciplinary nature of his intellectual journey. This duality of academic exploration likely exposed Chabrol to diverse perspectives, critical thinking, and the nuanced understanding of human nature and societal structures, all of which are evident in the rich narratives and character portrayals found in his films.

Furthermore, Chabrol's academic trajectory at the Sorbonne sheds light on the broader cultural and intellectual milieu of post-war France. The 1950s and 1960s witnessed a period of intellectual and artistic ferment in the country, with the emergence of existentialist philosophy, literary movements, and groundbreaking developments in cinema, including the French New Wave. Chabrol's academic engagement with literature and law during this era reflects the cross-pollination of ideas and influences that characterized the intellectual landscape of the time, offering valuable insights into the interplay between education, culture, and the arts.

In conclusion, Claude Chabrol's quote regarding his academic journey at the Sorbonne encapsulates the multidimensional nature of his intellectual pursuits and the formative influences that shaped his artistic vision. His simultaneous immersion in the fields of humanities and law speaks to his broad intellectual curiosity, the interdisciplinary foundations of his creative sensibilities, and the profound impact of his educational experiences on his cinematic legacy.

Overall, Chabrol's academic endeavors at the Sorbonne underscore the interconnectedness of literature, law, and the arts, and illuminate the diverse intellectual landscape that nurtured his development as a visionary filmmaker.