La représentation des interdits et la poétique du malsain

Abstract

Jean-Pierre Martinon : The representation of the forbidden and the literature of the unhealthy. This article discusses the links between the description of places in certain 18th-century literary texts, and the opposition between the healthy and the unhealthy. This is to be seen both in the actions of the characters and in the descriptions of imaginary places impregnated with contradictory connotations, not only in connection with mental and physical hygiene, but also with sexuality. In particular, texts in the Nouvelle Hèloïse concerning «natural » gardens represent physical and moral health in sentimental and sexual relations with others. In the works of Sade, on the contrary, cellars, vaulted rooms, labyrinths, oozing water, shadows, indicate the unhealthy side of erotic relations. This analysis must be accompanied by methodological reflection on the literary text as representation of the dichotomy clean /unclean, healthy/sick, mind/body.

Martinon Jean-Pierre. La représentation des interdits et la poétique du malsain. In: Dix-huitième Siècle, n°9, 1977. Le sain et le malsain. pp. 81-89.