The Vagabond
The Vagabond, written by Sidonie Gabrielle Colette, is a story of romance set in turn-of-the-century Paris and several provincial towns. The novel was published in France in 1911 and later published in 1955 for the English audience. The Vagabond is recognized as one of Colette's best-known pre-war work, her post-war works being better known. The novel definitely sits high on history's literary shelf. Using such elements as style, technique, theme, an uncomplicated theme and supernumerary characters, Colette dramatizes the life of her Parisian heroine, thus creating a masterpiece of literary history. Divorced after eight years of her husband's faithlessness and cruelty, Renee Nere has been struggling to support herself as a music-hall performer for the past three years. The first part of the three parts of the book opens as she waits in her dressing room until it is time for her to perform. She checks her make-up in the mirror that she hates to face, then goes off to perform, no longer and anxious, but confident and controlled (). In this first section of the novel, Renee's life as an artist is delineated: her work as a dancer, her casual relations with her fellow performers, the small apartment that she shares with her maid, Bla
Colette, Sidonie Gabrielle. The Vagabond. New York: Farrar, Straus, and Young, 1955. Kingcaid, Renee. "Sidelights of Sidonie Colette." Contemporary Authors. Vol. 131; 113-118. Marks, Elaine. Colette. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1960. 3-22. Strand, Dana. Colette: A Study of the Short Fiction. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1995. 112-114. ndine, and her dog Fossett, and her introduction to Maxime Dufferein-Chautel. Maxime presents himself at her dressing-room door one evening, and Renee dismisses him as an awkward intruder, charming and respectful as he seems to be. She more formally meets him again after a private engagement arranged by his brother. Night after night, Renee's admirer watches her from the front row and patiently waits for her (). With her old friend Hamond acting as a go-between, Renee and Maxime slowly and slightly become more friendly. Maxime visits her; she acknowledges that she has an admirer, but nothing more. Eventually, their acquaintance deepens, but not into intimacy, despite Maxime's pleas. This continues until Renee signs a contract for a six-week tour with Brague, her mentor, and his pupil. Now she must decide between Maxime and her career, as she recognizes that she cannot allow him to accompany her and is not yet ready to give up the wandering life, which somehow suits her. She then lies, promising to give herself to Maxime, but not until the tour is over. Renee leaves Paris, full of both hope and regret (). The concluding third of the novel recounts Renee's travels from one place to another. This part of the story is told primarily in the form of letters to Maxime, sprinkled with accounts of performances, and thoughts about her relationship with him. The book ends with her final letter to him and the thoughts that she directs toward him as she leaves the letter are unfinished (). The Vagabond
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1245
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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