Donc Je Suis Malheureux?
Came across, this morning, a quote from French symbolist poet, Jules Laforgue. Borrowed by Gertrude Stein – or maybe the publisher – it cleverly introduces the reader to the atmopshere of Three Lives, before having reached the novel’s first line. I didn’t pay much attention to the quote at first although I thought there’s something beautiful about it. After reading a few pages, I went back to the quote and it hasn’t left my mind since then.
I’m not sure why it’s resonated so strongly but its ambiguity is fascinating me. Laforgue’s quote is very simple, easy to understand but yet very complex. Depending on one’s mood, the time of day, the season or the type of weather, it can be interpreted in different ways. Not as witty as Oscar Wilde’s, there’s something quite light-hearted about it, ironic even. despite declaring officially his unhappy state, the author seems to celebrate it. It is poignant. As poignant as reverse optimism can unexpectedly be!
It was sunny today and I was feeling quite inspired by the place I was having a coffee in. Still the quote’s meaning gave me something to reflect on: was that nostalgia? Was that acceptance? I don’t really know but I like the fact it gave me hope. After all, ce n’est pas ma faute ni celle de la vie…
