Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

French

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

This research delves into the representation of female characters and broader thematic concerns such as identity, culture, and diasporic experiences through a comparative analysis of literary texts and their film adaptations. It focuses primarily on authors who have adapted their own literary works into film, with a particular emphasis on individuals from diverse French-speaking countries and their diasporic experiences in France, including Senegal, Brazil, and Algeria. Notable authors such as Ousmane Sembène, Marcel Camus, Yamina Benguigui, Yamina Bachir and Abdellatif Kechiche are among those examined. The study aims to illuminate the complexities of diasporic storytelling and cultural representation within the francophone context, highlighting the contributions of these authors to both literature and film. An analysis of themes pertaining to female representation and the depiction of women at the core of the novels will explore the manner in which literary adaptation translates these thematic considerations into film. By scrutinizing the cultural and hybrid identities of both protagonists and female characters within the literary and cinematic contexts, this examination will uncover narratives—both real and imagined—that disrupt the linear progression of conventional storytelling. Moreover, comparisons will be drawn, exploring how an author's cultural background can shape the visual transformation from literature to film, thereby accentuating cultural symbols and disparities that may not be readily discernible in the original text. While literature excels in its ability to engage the imagination, delve into characters' thoughts and emotions, and explore complex themes through language, film can enrich narratives through its visual and auditory dimensions, to challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the diversity of various cultures. 

Date

4-6-2026

Committee Chair

Russo, Adelaide

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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