I’ve started reading the stories in the book Marquis de Sade: The 120 Days of Sodom & Other Writings (You can see a link to this publication in my book list). So far I’ve read a few of the essays and a few short writings/tales of de Sade’s.
I have read some of his other writings before (see the other link on my book list for Marquise de Sade: Justine, Philosophy in the Bedroom and Other Writings) and my first impression of the man was that he was a Sociopath… but now I’ve had some time to digest those writings and the ones I’ve just finished I’m not so sure… This may be a topic of discussion for a later posting.
The man de Sade himself seems to have had many interests. He was a playwright, did a bit of acting as well as his writing which he is famous for. It is probably due to his frequent and lengthy stays in prison that gave us de Sade the writer. I had no idea what to expect when I first started reading his works but if people are only expecting nasty S&M type stories they will be disappointed; I think his writing offers more than that although there does seem to be a never ending battle between virtue and vice in his tales.
This book starts with 2 Essays on de Sade himself and his writing (by Simon de Beauvoir and Pierre Klossowski). I’m not going to reflect too much on these but they were of interest.
The first three of de Sade’s writings in this book that I have read thus far are:
1) Reflections on the Novel 1800
2) The Author of Les Crimes de l’Amour to Villeterque, Hack Writer 1803
3) Florville and Courval (or The Works of Fate) – 1788
Reflections on the Novel (1800)
Briefly, this is an essay from de Sade on what makes up a novel. He breaks this down into three questions (which he sequentially answers). 1) Why is this kind of literary work called a novel? 2) Amongst what people did the novel originate (and famous examples). 3) What are the rules to follow in order to succeed in perfecting the art of writing the novel.
This is a somewhat interesting essay in what he puts down as the important characteristics of a novel as well as a brief commentary on some of the famous novels from history and what was current (in his day). Clearly, he is a very well read man. He was known to have many books during his time in prison and would certainly have had time to read them all but the level to which he is well read is indeed impressive.
He does make some intelligent observations in that it’s easier to write about places you have been (as well as the finer details like customs, etc) as well as about misfortunes you may have personally encountered. Some of his requirements of a novel he contradicts himself in his writings fairly liberally, although I guess that’s a personal subjective point (in my opinion some of his previous works seem to drone on and on about some points and he makes a point in this article to avoid that sort of writing!). He also takes a pop at some of his contemporary writers and also disavows any knowledge of the novel Justine (which he also wrote although he vigorously denied this).
The Author of Les Crimes de l’Amour to Villeterque, Hack Writer (1803)
This is a, rather humorous, reply to Villeterque who published a pamphlet criticizing his Reflections on the Novel publication mentioned above. Pretty entertaining; it’s pretty clear these two men do not get along. Villeterque’s critique of Reflections on the Novel is also in this book so you can see what he is replying to.
Florville and Courval (or The Works of Fate) – (1788)
This short story actually reads fairly well. It tells the tale of a young lady (Florville) who is about to marry the gentleman Monsieur de Courval. Before she is willing to accept his generous offer of marriage she discloses some of her sordid past deeds (although these can be chalked up to youth and misfortune rather than any real flaws or lake of virtue in her character…). After she tells her tale the real “Works of Fate” sets in. They do marry but I’m not going to say too much more as you should probably read this to see the ending for yourself. It’s pretty implausible but I saw some of it coming but it does rather dovetail all neatly together and certainly is worth of the alternative title “The Works of Fate”.
That’s all I’ve read thus far in this book. I’ll post more reviews/thoughts on his work as I progress through them. Feel free to leave comments of your own here on your opinions on his works (or opinions on my impressions!).
