Writing against death : the autobiographies of Simone de Beauvoir / Susan Bainbrigge.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bainbrigge, Susan.

Series:

Faux titre ; no. 262.

Faux titre, 0167-9392 ; 262

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Authors, French--20th century--Biography.

Authors, French.

Autobiography.

Death in literature.

Beauvoir, Simone de, 1908-1986--Criticism and interpretation.

Beauvoir, Simone de.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (247 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Amsterdam : Rodopi, 2005.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Much has been written on Simone de Beauvoir, one of France's leading intellectual figures of the 20th century. The sheer volume of her autobiographical writings testifies to her indefatigable questioning of the nature of existence and her personal and public engagement in the world over the best part of a century. This study aims to re-evaluate her extensive autobiographical œuvre, exploring its place in relation to the French autobiographical canon, and in the light of recent theorisations of autobiography. It presents readings which engage critically with existentialism, feminist theory, and autobiography studies generally, in particular focusing on the question of 'autothanatography', a term developed by theorists such as Jacques Derrida and Louis Marin. A new reading of the autobiographies via the lens of thanatos is presented with questions of gender in mind, and the nature of autobiography as genre is also explored more fully with particular attention paid to narrative voice. Close readings of the autobiographical œuvre combine with contextual details, critical overviews and links to recent developments in critiques of Beauvoir's fiction and philosophy. The study would be of particular interest to scholars in the following areas: 20th century French literature and culture; Autobiography studies; Literary theory; existentialism; Women's studies.

Contents:

List of Abbreviations

Acknowledgements

Introduction

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

CHAPTER I Mémoires d'une jeune fille rangée

CHAPTER II La Force de l'âge

CHAPTER III La Force des choses

CHAPTER IV Tout compte fait

CHAPTER V Une mort très douce

CHAPTER VI La Cérémonie des adieux

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 201-240) and index.

ISBN:

94-012-0224-9

1-4175-9112-9

OCLC:

60074390

Publisher Number:

10.1163/9789401202244 DOI