In Our Time Colette
Jan 27, 2022
Diana Holmes, a Professor of French Literature, and Michèle Roberts, a celebrated novelist and Emeritus Professor, discuss the groundbreaking writer Colette. They delve into Colette's unique upbringing and how it influenced her candid portrayals of women's lives. The conversation highlights her challenge against societal norms through works like 'La Vagabonde.' They also explore her exploration of aging and desire, emphasizing her literary evolution and the eventual recognition of her importance in literature.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Colette's Childhood
- Colette's upbringing in rural Burgundy fostered a love for language and nature.
- Her parents, especially her mother, Sido, encouraged her reading and sensory exploration of the world.
Claudine Novels
- Colette's husband, "Willie," encouraged her to write, then published her Claudine novels under his name.
- These novels, based on Colette's school days, became bestsellers.
Stage Career and Controversy
- Colette pursued a stage career, performing in a controversial play, Rêve d'Egypte, with Missy.
- Public outrage focused on Missy's aristocratic status rather than the lesbian subtext.