The French spite Sarkozy– by reading his least favorite novel?
By Marjorie Kehe | 03.19.09
Only a highly literary country would consider this a form of political protest, but the French are currently expressing their displeasure with President Nicolas Sarkozy by championing the novel he most detests.
Sarkozy has been very public about reviling “La Princesse de Clèves,” the 17th-century classic by Madame de La Fayette that is widely studied in French classrooms. According to the Telegraph, since becoming president, Sarkozy has “repeatedly criticized the tale of duty versus love at the 16th-century court of Henri II, suggesting that knowledge of it was not useful.”
So now the French, as a means of thumbing their collective noses at their president, are embracing the novel as never before. The Telegraph reports that, “At the Paris book fair this week … badges emblazoned with the slogan ‘I am reading “La Princesse de Clèves” ‘ were a must-have item that sold out within hours” even as “[p]ublic readings of the work have proliferated at universities like the Sorbonne … and at theatres.”
It is unknown if enthusiasm for “La Princesse de Clèves” is actually harming Sarkozy in any way, but it is clearly helping French publishers, as sales of the book are noticeably on the rise.
Comments
2. Tertium Quid | 03.19.09
Sarkozy should have kept his opinions to himself. They are very revealing. The princess in the novel stayed true to a husband she did not love rather than be unfaithful with a duke who loved her. We all know the soap opera which occupied the French President’s first year of office.
3. Debbie Graham | 03.19.09
Oh voyons, you think the problem is because of Sarkozy’s background? He did get elected you know!
6. Gaias Child | 03.19.09
Say those French really know how to do battle. The world should make war in just this way. Everybody should read whatever their best enemy detests. Take that!!
7. Guillaume Kalfon | 03.19.09
Despicable comment by jerry page. To the moderators : “Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.” Mr Page here is implying that the reason the French are opposing their president is antisemitism.
8. Christopher D. Osborn | 03.19.09
For those who dislike either the Bush or Obama administration in the U.S., “The Revolution A Manifesto” by Ron Paul is a great read-to-protest book. I also recommend The United States Constitution and Declaration of Independance for the same purpose.
9. ravidesai | 03.19.09
intelligent fellows! they scored their point not even getting soiled in a battle!
10. Steve Blankenship | 03.19.09
Antisemitism is the official religion of France. That’s why it will fall behind other Western Countries..and already has.
11. s.n. | 03.19.09
I think there is said to be something in the character of one who is faithful in their committments rather than giving into indulgences and fanciful whimsies of something that might be briefly fulfilling, but in the long term, not as useful for the sake of wisdom and the shaping of character. Perhaps this is the real reason why Sarkozy loathes such a novel…such ideals, as expressed in the novel, might simply be contrary to his very character itself and perhaps he is more arrogant than wise…Wisdom and character in leadership always lends to considering the needs and desires of the people governed…Maybe he should give the novel a second gander.
12. Tha | 03.19.09
LOL…Sarkozy is an fool. He was unfaithful to his family - that is very telling of his character. If a man can’t even manage his own personal affairs how is he suppose to manage the country.
13. garcho garchev | 03.19.09
the press loves to make the french sound like everything they do is a result of their own exaggerated frenchy-ness. so they found a creative way to protest against something sarkozy did/does/will do, big deal. there are lots of creative protests happening in the states, but it’s not because we’re “so american”.
14. Robert Mack | 03.19.09
“Finally, we will not publish any comments that we regard as obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence.” Mr Page here is implying that the reason the French are opposing their president is antisemitism. — Hey Guillaume, so where is the “obscene, defamatory, or intended to incite violence”? Get a clue, it’s called freedom of speech. Maybe the French (or some of them) are opposing what the Jews are doing in Palestine and Sarkozy is the most public figure they can take on? Maybe in your country antisemitism is illegal, but I think people get it. It’s OK to hate something or someone, just as long as you don’t act on those feelings.
15. garcho | 03.19.09
oh yeah, and sticking with marriage to someone you don’t love instead of doing what you should do because of shame, or silly ideas about burning in ****, is so catholic, not french.
16. Bob | 03.19.09
What a great way to show one’s disdain! No bullhorn-waving pseudo-lutionaries rousing the rabble - instead they read their least favorite leader’s least favorite book. Bravo, citoyens de la France! Vive les livres!
17. Les Ecrous | 03.19.09
Gacho is absolutely correct….One should be able to do whatever one feels is right…at the moment. Floundering marriage….divorce the unloving, uncaring spouse. Unwanted pregnancy….abort that “thing” that causes such an inconvenience. If it feels right…do it! Morality is not confined only to Catholics…Et tu brute?
18. SCOTT BAKER | 03.19.09
The French believe that their literary tradition is a vital part of their culture, that their cultural identity is what makes them French, and that it makes being French precious. They consider literacy and intelligence vital, and have a Ministry of Culture. Like Americans, the French consider that their president should be a role model; they just have a different role in mind. Americans allegedly want to sit down and have a beer with their president; recent French presidents have guests on literary TV shows where they discuss their favorite books.
There is, admittedly, a long, sad tradition of French antisemitism (perhaps bolstered by the the fact that there are more Muslims than protestants in France, and certainly strongly influenced by the large number of often racist former residents of French African colonies who were forced to leave Africa and return to France a generation ago), but that antisemitism has nothing to do with the current “protest”.
20. qcdude3 | 03.19.09
It is important and probably spells political trouble for Sarkozy in the future. It provides an inside association that allows people to know where others stand regarding the politician. The beginning of a organized opposition to him without the marches, the placards etc. It is similar to the actions of the fundamentalist christian movement in America. Remember the “fish” symbol on all the cars. These represent a statement of “like thinking” on a broad scale giving people a comfortable feeling to the movement.
21. Bob | 03.19.09
I love the French protests, they take their democracy and their government very seriously.
23. Ben F. | 03.19.09
The Revolution a Manifesto by Ron Paul was a bit overrated I thought even though I personally like Ron Paul.
24. John Woodroffe | 03.19.09
To Scott Baker :
You say that Reading books constitute antisemitism ?
Next time, you’ll say that Adolf H. was a saint … or that the Torah can only read in the midst of a brazier ??
25. HSR0601 | 03.19.09
I guess the U.S. need to accept the suggestions of the E.U., and the E.U. need to adopt a advanced smart grid technology, which is worth the deficit for job creation and economic activity, is something to do ultimately.
26. Enver Ecer | 03.22.09
Rather than make petty remarks about France or argue amongst yourselves about matters that are totally irrelevant to this forum/topic consider that the French are at least protesting, even if this is in an unusual manner its a heck of a lot more than the people of America or the UK. both seemed to have turned into a nation of mute cowards and this total inaction has had repercussions for most of the world…….well done!
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1. jerry page | 03.19.09
typical French display: petit spite to a Jew for having been made fools over
their handling of the Dreyfuss affair.