Jean Cocteau's work Children of the Game explores the intense and often complex dynamics of love within the confines of a domestic setting. It stands alongside Les Parents Terribles in its detailed examination of how love can transcend simplicity, sometimes leading to destruction rather than redemption. Through a narrative woven with mythical influences and profound psychological insight, Cocteau delves into the nuanced relationships that both bind and divide his characters.

The Polarizing Nature of Love

In Cocteau's fantastical tales, such as La Belle et la Bête, love functions as a redemptive force, rescuing characters from the distortions inflicted by external forces. However, in Children of the Game, love becomes a suffocating force. The narrative centers on the relationship between siblings Paul and Elisabeth, whose close bond becomes a source of both comfort and turmoil. This dynamic is not driven by overt sexual jealousy but by a deeper, more complex set of emotions that reflect their struggle with the external world.

The film adaptation of Enfants Terribles faced controversy, particularly in Britain, where it was given an X rating due to perceived incestuous undertones between Paul and Elisabeth. However, this interpretation oversimplifies the intricate emotional network that defines their relationship. The siblings, through their "Game," attempt to navigate the broader social world, clinging to their childhood sanctuary while yearning for new experiences.

Interlopers and Intrusions

Dargelos, a figure from Cocteau's own past, plays a pivotal yet subtle role in the narrative. He is both a catalyst and a symbol of the destructive potential of unrequited desire. From the moment Dargelos injures Paul in a schoolyard incident, he sets in motion a series of events that disrupt the siblings' insular world. The introduction of Gérard into their lives further complicates matters, as he becomes both a participant and observer in the unfolding drama.

Dargelos also indirectly facilitates the tragic climax, providing the poison Paul consumes under the false belief that Agatha, another central character, does not return his affections. This act reinforces Dargelos's pervasive influence, framing the novel's tragedy with his cold cruelty. If Agatha is indeed a surrogate for Dargelos, as some interpretations suggest, Elisabeth's determination to keep her apart from Paul might be seen in a different light.

The Paradox of the Game

The Game that Paul and Elisabeth engage in serves as both a refuge and a trap. It provides them with structure and an emotional anchor, yet it fails to address their deeper needs. Gérard, a fascinated onlooker, sees the Game as something precious, though not utopian. It is a fallback mechanism for the siblings, who must eventually face the harsher realities of the world outside their Room.

Elisabeth's decision to marry Michael introduces a new dynamic, presenting the possibility of a fresh start. Yet, this attempt at escape is thwarted tragically, suggesting a cyclical inevitability to their fates. Gérard's view of Elisabeth's marriage as a mere feint adds complexity to her motives, blurring the lines between a flight from Paul and a flight from Agatha.

The Elusiveness of Freedom

The Room, a symbol of both sanctuary and confinement, reflects the siblings' internal struggles. It is a prison not because of lingering childhood instincts but due to the harsh and unpredictable world outside. Dargelos, as an enigmatic figure of desire and betrayal, embodies this external threat. His freedom comes at the cost of others' confinement, ultimately leading them down a path toward their metaphorical execution.

Elisabeth's attempts to reconstruct the Room and resume the Game reveal her desperation rather than any genuine desire for innovation. The inevitability of their failure becomes apparent as the "snow that conceals sharp stones" metaphorically blankets their world, extinguishing any warmth or hope. In this sense, Cocteau's work presents a poignant exploration of the complexities of love and freedom, where the quest for one often leads to the loss of the other.