Identifier

etd-05252005-170310

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

French Studies

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze the relationship between language and themes in Marie Darrieussecq's novel Truismes. Having as its core the theme of metamorphosis, Truismes tells the story of a young woman who after passing through a multitude of experiences transforms into a pig. The character's journey through the metamorphosis is marked by excesses. The excess manifests itself at all levels: in the physical and mental transformation of the female character, in the description of the secondary characters, in the composition of the environment that sustains the narration, and ultimately in the language. By using Julia Kristeva's theory of the abject, while conducting a careful analysis of the language and narrative style of the author, this thesis illuminates the relationship between the main character's use of language and the development of themes in the novel. Thus, Marie Darrieussecq's Truismes is shown to be a work concerned with the notion of "speaking the unspeakable." The thesis analyses not only the position of women in a predominantly masculine society, but also the political and economical relations that govern the activities described. Ultimately, this interpretation of Truismes discusses the notion of what it means to be living outside the social norm and, therefore in close relation to nature.

Date

2005

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Bernard Cerquiglini

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.3577

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