Biography
Colette stands as a singular figure in early twentieth-century literature, recognized for her exceptional expressionism that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences with unparalleled sensitivity. Her distinctive style, marked by a deep personal resonance, continues to evoke the image of her famous nom de plume. Through her works, Colette has not only chronicled a life rich with literary and personal adventures but has also left an indelible mark on French literature.
Early Life
Born on January 28, 1873, in the quaint Burgundian village of Saint-Saveur-en-Puisaye, France, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette was deeply influenced by her family and surroundings. Her father, Jules-Joseph Colette, was a notable personality in the village, while her mother, Adèle-Eugénie-Sidonie Landoy, affectionately known as Sido, nurtured a love for books and animals. This early exposure to a rich tapestry of stories and nature shaped Colette’s imaginative world. As the fourth child in a family shadowed by a previous marriage, Colette shared a unique and enduring bond with her mother, characterized by long, expressive letters that chronicled her adventurous and sometimes unconventional life. Their relationship, blending literary and familial elements, profoundly impacted Colette's writing and personal narrative.
Colette's formative years were spent in the provinces, where she developed a deep connection with the rural landscapes. The family relocated in 1890 to Châtillon-sur-Loing following financial setbacks, settling in the home of Sido’s son from her first marriage. A year later, Sidonie-Gabrielle was engaged to Henri Gauthier-Villars, who affectionately called her "Colette," a name that would become her literary identity. Their marriage in 1893 brought Colette into the vibrant literary circles of Paris, setting the stage for her future as a writer. Her husband, a well-known figure on the Left Bank, encouraged her literary pursuits, albeit under his own pseudonym "Willy."
Career Beginnings
Despite her professed aversion to writing, Colette's journey as an author began through her husband's discovery of her schoolgirl writings, which he believed could be transformed into a successful novel. This resulted in "Claudine à l’école" (1900; "Claudine at School"), published under Willy's name, which became an instant hit, selling fifty thousand copies. Colette's association with her fictional heroine became so pronounced that she was mistakenly identified in some works as Gabrielle Claudine Colette.
The success of this novel spurred a series of Claudine books drawn from Colette's own experiences, including "Claudine à Paris" (1901), "Claudine en ménage" (1902), and "Claudine s’en va" (1903). Although Willy claimed authorship, it was Colette's innate talent that shaped these works. Despite the questionable circumstances of their collaboration, Willy introduced Colette to the literary world and ignited her passion for writing.
Artistic Ventures and Personal Growth
Colette’s life in the early 1900s was a blend of literary and theatrical pursuits. To supplement their income, she ventured into performing arts, embracing mime and appearing in provocative melodramas. Her daring stage presence, which included instances of partial nudity, fed into the growing legend of Colette as both an artist and a bold personality. This period also saw her develop a profound affection for animals, culminating in the publication of "Dialogues de bêtes" (1904). In 1905, after tiring of her husband’s infidelities and exploitative ways, Colette left Willy, officially ending their marriage a year later. Freed from these constraints, she found the voice that would define her literary career.
Embracing her newfound independence, Colette continued performing while maintaining a prolific writing schedule. Her personal life attracted public speculation, especially regarding her close relationship with Madame de Morny, "Missy," a woman who often assumed male roles in their performances. Their intimate relationship became fodder for gossip, particularly after a scandalous public kiss during a play...
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at the Moulin-Rouge. These experiences influenced her writing, leading to the creation of "La Vagabonde" (1911), a narrative drawn from her theatrical background.
Later Successes and Personal Struggles
Colette's personal and professional horizons expanded further when she met Henri de Jouvenel, editor of "Le Matin," in 1909. Their relationship deepened, resulting in marriage in 1912 and the birth of her only child, Colette de Jouvenel, in 1913. During World War I, Colette's experiences as a volunteer nurse and at the war front enriched her journalistic output, leading to a series of articles for "Le Matin." Her wartime novel, "Mitsou: Ou, Comment l’esprit vient aux filles" (1919), captured the public's imagination with its poignant romantic narrative.
1920 marked a high point in Colette’s literary career with the publication of "Chéri," an acclaimed novel exploring the complexities of love and age. The story of Chéri, a young man educated in life’s pleasures by the older Léa, became a cultural touchstone, its themes resonating well beyond its French audience. Colette’s adaptation of her novels for the stage, including "Chéri" and "The Vagabond," further cemented her status as a multifaceted artist.
Recognition and Legacy
Colette's influence extended beyond her literary contributions. She served as a literary editor and wrote dramatic critiques, while also dabbling in film writing and running a beauty institute. Her third marriage to Maurice Goudeket in 1936 marked a period of stability, during which she received numerous accolades, including several honors from the Légion d’Honneur and membership in the Académie Goncourt.
Despite the challenges of old age, Colette's creative spirit never waned. Her final novel, "Gigi" (1944), published during the tumultuous years of the Occupation, continued to showcase her narrative prowess. Upon her death on August 3, 1954, Colette was honored with a state funeral, a testament to her enduring impact on French culture. However, the ceremony was tinged with controversy as the Catholic Church denied her burial rites due to her divorces and lapses in faith, sparking public debate led by figures like Graham Greene.
Summary
Colette's legacy is one of vibrant creativity and profound influence. Her magnetic personality, characterized by striking features and a captivating voice, drew people to her, while her reluctance to discuss her work suggested that her life and art were inseparable. While initially perceived as a natural talent, Colette honed her writing into a refined style that encapsulated the essence of provincial and sensuous life. Her portrayal of strong women and complex relationships defied simple feminist interpretations, positioning "Chéri" as a landmark in French literature. As an accomplished performer and writer, Colette's life was as complex and multifaceted as the works she left behind, providing invaluable insights into the world of the senses, as observed by writers like John Braine.
Bibliography
Crosland, Margaret.Colette: A Provincial in Paris. New York: British Book Centre, 1954. A detailed biography that captures Colette's persona during Crosland's frequent visits to Colette and her husband, aiming to highlight Colette's literary significance.
Crosland, Margaret.Colette: The Difficulty of Loving. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, 1973. This biography delves into Colette's work and personal life, featuring an introduction by Janet Flanner and providing a comprehensive bibliography.
Kristeva, Julia.Colette. New York: Columbia University Press, 2004. A scholarly analysis by the renowned semiotician, offering a critical examination of Colette's contributions to literature.
Marks, Elaine.Colette. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1960. Focuses on linking Colette's work to her life, arguing that her writings are singular in philosophy and politics.
Mitchell, Yvonne.Colette: A Taste for Life. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1975. A biography that argues for Colette’s inherent moral compass, emphasizing her focus on living instinctively and sensuously.
Richardson, Joanna.Colette. New York: Franklin Watts, 1984. This comprehensive biography, the first of its kind in English, utilizes Colette's published works and newly accessible archives to paint an in-depth portrait of her life and legacy.
