Desire, Fantasy, and the Writing of Lesbos-Sur-Seine, 1880-1939 By
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Desire, Fantasy, and the Writing of Lesbos-sur-Seine, 1880-1939 by Lowry Gene Martin, II A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in French And the Designated Emphasis in Women, Gender, and Sexuality in the Graduate Division of the University of California, Berkeley Committee in charge: Professor Michael Lucey, Chair Professor Ann Smock Professor Barbara Spackman Professor Charis Thompson Fall 2010 1 Abstract Desire, Fantasy, and the Writing of Lesbos-sur-Seine, 1880-1939 by Lowry Gene Martin, II Doctor of Philosophy in French University of California, Berkeley Professor Michael Lucey, Chair My dissertation challenges a commonly accepted view that literary representations of lesbianism were merely a momentary fashion, linked to Symbolist and Decadent movements in literature. More than a trope for artistic sterility, the explosion of Sapphic representation emblematized the social fractures prevalent during the Third Republic. This dissertation illustrates that “Sapphism”—in literature and beyond—became a type of shorthand to discuss everything from declining natality to changing gender roles, from military fears to urban space to the nature of artistic production. Using legal, racial and other social discourses to provide different kinds of contextualization, my readings of such canonical authors as Zola, Proust, and Colette reveal how lesbian depictions were not merely about sexuality or art but addressed a host of social and political anxieties. Beginning with an analysis of censorship of lesbian themed novels between 1885 and 1895, I demonstrate the randomness of censorship and its failure to stem the growing number of lesbian depictions. This chapter is followed by an investigation of the role of racial and ethnic othering of the lesbian in French literature as a means to discuss French fears of contamination from its colonies and perceived threats from other world powers. Lesbian characterizations not only gestured to concerns about “Frenchness” and the health of the State, but they also linked sexuality with space. The literary accounts linking lesbian circulation with certain public spaces helped to reconfigure urban landscapes in Paris. The last chapter discusses ways in which both literature and the public lives of bisexual and lesbian authors challenged preconceived notions about marriage and its privileged status as the nec plus ultra of social relationships. Ultimately, I contend that lesbian history in France was not as invisible or non-existent as previously believed, but that in fact, the lesbian representation played an important role in the French imaginary as a means of discussing contemporary social anxieties. i To the memory of my “Mamma,” Millie Martin (1934-2005) and in honor of my “Daddy,” Major Lowry Martin: you remain the greatest influences in my life. ii Table of Contents Acknowledgements iii Introduction 1 Chapter 1: The Narrative Peepshow: Censorship and the “Scene” 7 Chapter 2: Imagining a New Gomorrah: Race, Politics, and the Enemy Within 32 Chapter 3: Class and Space: Parisian Geographies of Sapphic Desire 55 Chapter 4: “Family Values”: Lesbian Representation as Epistemological Challenge to Marriage 84 Conclusion Emerging from the Shadows: Rethinking Lesbian Invisibility 111 Bibliography 114 iii Acknowledgements This long process of writing a dissertation has come to an end, and I as I reflect upon the journey that lead me to this finished project, I am humbled by the amount of support and affection that has sustained me during its research and writing. Although I could not have finished this dissertation without the help, friendship, and counsel of numerous people, I want to begin by thanking my parents. First, I dedicate this work to the memory of my mother who knew my heartbeat before I did. She was the first to encourage me to leave an established career to pursue my passion for French. I am eternally grateful for her support, untiring encouragement, and boundless love. I was fortunate to have an understanding father who provided emotional and material support during my years as a graduate student. In so many ways, my parents have been part of this intellectual journey, and I am forever indebted to them for their innumerable sacrifices. To my sister, Terry, I thank for taking my own little “family,” my dogs, when I moved to Berkeley. Knowing that my three little ones were in loving hands made my years in Berkeley and Paris much less burdensome. For this, I can never say thank you enough, but I hope that my gratitude and their devotion to you helps to repay my debt. The list of family members to whom I would have to acknowledge are too numerous to name individually, but I do want to remember my grandparents for having introduced me to the joys of literature at a very early age, especially Grandmother, who spent summers reading with me—and insisting that I “explain” to her the novels we shared. Their insistence that books were more important than games inspired early on my love for literature. My dissertation committee members are some of the most passionate and dedicated professors imaginable. First, I thank, my dissertation director, Michael Lucey for his years of mentoring, patience, insight, and at times, gentle prodding. His great talent for allowing students to find their own intellectual paths while unobtrusively guiding them has made him a delight to have as a director. My hearty thanks also goes to Ann Smock who exemplified all of the passion, devotion, and compassion that I hope to integrate into my own teaching. Her concern for students, her desire always to be helpful and constructive, and her passion for French literature will always stand in my mind as the standards for academic professionalism. After the death of my dear friend and professor, Anna-Livia Braun, Charis Thompson joined my committee. She enthusiastically engaged with my work and added rich perspectives to my research. I thank her for her energy, generosity, and great intellectual skills. Charis kept me believing in my project and myself at a time when I had begun to doubt. From the first day of class with Barbara Spackman, I knew that I was in the presence of a great thinker and true teacher. She showed me how an intellectual can combine humor, academic rigor, and human warmth. She inspires great devotion among students, and I will always remain one of them. She has always been a true ally, and I appreciate her continued interest in my career. Finally Anna- Livia Braun’s unexpected death was a hard loss for me. From my first weekend in Berkeley, she befriended me. Her classes, ranging from the history of the French language to Francophone films, inspired me. Her ability to connect with students and to share her broad wealth of knowledge was legendary, and the number of us who still miss her attests to her influence in our lives. I also would like to thank Professors Nicholas Paige, Suzanne Guerlac and Karl Britto for their willingness to discuss my research, read job letters, writing samples, and prepare for a iv career as a professor. Although they were not on my committee, they took an interest in my work and success, and their selflessness illustrates what is best about the French department. It is a privilege to become your colleague. Finally, I want to thank earlier French professors who laid the ground work for my success at Berkeley. First to Dr. William Patterson, my dear friend, champion, and professor who mixed a stinging wit with humor and opened numerous intellectual doors for me. You will always be one of the luminaries in my life. Dr. Patricia Hopkins who taught me my first French grammar course and my first graduate seminar on twentieth-century French literature, you showed me that a great intellect can also be humble and kind as well as funny. My greatest riches have been my friends. This cohort of companions sustained me, inspired me, and loved me. Without them I could not have completed this journey. First, I thank David Petterson for years of steady and soulful friendship and for weathering those first anxious years of graduate school. Without any doubt, I would not have had the success that I have had without the friendship, editorial eye, and companionship of Jennifer Gipson. Thank you for your patience and time. Although Professor Umagotti could never understand my resistance to the Chicago Manual of Style, you took it in stride and loved me despite it. To my fellow traveler, “hermana,” and roommate, Araceli Hernádez-LaRoche, I thank you for years of laughter, love, and friendship. Your diligence and work ethic continue to inspire me. While a graduate student in Berkeley, I made great friends who are my chosen family. Among them, I want to mention Patricia Roussouk, Órlaith Creedon, Christine Quinan, Robin Mitchell, and Gina Zupsich. A special thanks to Christophe Wall-Romano and Margaret. What a great gifts you have given me—your friendship and your belief in me. I cannot imagine better cheerleaders. To my Dallas friends whom I left to study at Berkeley, I thank you for friendships that lasted across time and space. I want to thank especially Lyle Maddox and Derrick Ricketts who provided me quiet spaces in which to write my last two chapters, a second home, tickets to Paris, and eternal friendship. I also want to thank Michelle Mullen and Patricia Bradley who shared my greatest loses and joys with equanimity. I love you all. Many, many people are still left to thank, but I will trust that they know who they are and will forgive my failure to name them. 1 Introduction In 1857 the great French poet, Charles Baudelaire, was the defendant in a censorship trial for his collection of poetry, Les Fleurs du mal.