Writing against Death: the Autobiographies of Simone de Beauvoir

by Susan Bainbrigge

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 bast part of a century. This study aims to re-evaluate her extensive autobiographical oeuvre, 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 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 oeuvre 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 20th century French literature and culture; Autobiography studies; Literary theory; existentialism; Women's studies.

248 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Satya P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death was a major concern in Beauvoir's thinking,very intensely at a personal level as well as a significant issue for philosophical reflections on the human condition.