<p>Random Thought No. 3</p>
<p>On Death by Dry Cleaning: It happens in France</p>
<p>According to Wikipedia: Renee</p>
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<p>And who is Roland Barthes, you may ask? I certainly did. Again Wikipedia answered:</p>
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<p>Regarding Mr. Barthes’ death:</p>
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[quote]
On 25 February 1980, after leaving a lunch party held by Fran</p>
<p>Look what I found:</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cepksn7Mfw]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cepksn7Mfw]YouTube</a> - Le h</p>
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<p>And in The Elegance of the Hedgehog, autodidact Madame Michel manages to expound upon almost every one of those topics. On the very first page of the book, she launches into a reflection on Marx: “How could the laboring classes understand Marx?” she writes, reflecting that The German Ideology was “the anthropological cornerstone on which all his exhortations for a new world would be built.” And so on. Renee Michel resembles Roland Barthes in life as well as in death.</p>
<p>Apparently—at least according to the review ignatius linked to above—the Roland Barthes connection is an in-joke that French audiences would have gotten immediately. Thank goodness we culturally bereft Americans have Wikipedia to fill in the gaps in our education! </p>
<p>Great trailer for “Le H</p>
<p>Great links, everyone! I want to see the movie, too. Did anyone notice in the subtitles they referred to Renee, as the “janitor”, not “concierge”</p>
<p>Ignatius. nice find about Barthe! As Mary13 stated, these discussions truly enrich my understanding, hence enjoyment about the book.
So, while I thought her death by “dry cleaning” was just a satiric, “absurd” event, it is rooted in reality!
Doesn’t Barbery’s book, have such interesting layers to it?</p>
<p>I’m very curious about the intense reactions, both good and bad with this book. Just spent some time reading the Amazon reviews, and see that this book elicited intense reactions, which should make for a more interesting book discussion. </p>
<p>So, in attempts to address some of the issues about the book, and to spark and encourage discussions, let me start with what seemed to annoy most reader …- P H E N O M O N O L O G Y!</p>
<p>I read the book quickly the first time, finished it in two days. </p>
<p>And, right before the discussion, I decided to reread this one, because as Mary said, via Bill Hurt’s Big Chill comment, I just let the “art flow over me” . </p>
<p>Now during the second reading, I am using little stick-ems, and being such a lazy reader, am using dictionary.com with it’s audio component, to learn about words such as “incunabulum”. Most of you must know about dictionary. com, if not check it out. </p>
<p>As I reread, Barbery’s short chapters, my goal it to try to understand the chapter titles, and more importantly to grasp the “thread” between each chapter. I didn’t notice them during the first reading and felt the work to be a hodgepodge, of ideas. </p>
<p>But, how could a philosopher, like Barbery, a deep thinker, create a work, of disconnected ideas?
Just as we are finding, there is more to this than at first glance ? M,m,m,m, that theme sounds familiar :)</p>
<p>So this is a shout out, to any philosophy majors, out there to help me, (us) out, as I venture out on a limb here. </p>
<p>Did most of us, dislike the first section of the book, because it was so “philosophical” and off putting ? Mary, you wrote in an earlier post, that you did not enjoy this part of the book ," not sure it( reading the book) was worth the effort. I slogged my way through"</p>
<p>Let me take a stab at PHENOMENOLOGY, and it’s importance to the theme of the book.
(Disclaimer- when I saw that Barbery, was venturing into Phenomenology, my first reaction was OH NO…not this again. Phenomenolgy was the topic of the “intellectually bent” philosophy majors when I was in college, I didn’t understand it then, and,probably still don’t) </p>
<p>Chapter 4 Refusing the Fight …page 33
Barbery is establishing Renee, as a autodidact of the first order, and her leisure reading selection is a challenging book by a philosopher, named Husserl.<br>
Clearly, Renee is struggling, needing to use her “cherry plum test”-, even she has to go to the library.
Phenomenology is beyond her reach, and she cannot bear this. </p>
<p>Chapter 5 In a sorry state
At the outset she claims Phenomenology to be a fraud.
So what is it, you wonder?</p>
<p>Renee says it boils down to two questions</p>
<p>"What is the nature of human consciousness? "
“What do we know of the world”</p>
<p>What makes us different from animals, is our consciousness, our awareness of self.
Renee uses the concrete example of a dog scratching himself.
“no animal is capable of this, and in this way we escape, our own animal nature- that as human beings we are able to know that we are in the process of scratching ourselves”</p>
<p>So what makes us different from animals ?“reflective consciousness”.</p>
<p>Renee, states SINCE WE ARE ANIMALS, all of this is null and void. </p>
<p>6 Homespun Cowls
Second question “What do we know of the world”
Phenomenology, that what we know of the world we have to “experience” to understand it.
Our consciousness has evolved, so that we have preconceived notions about things, we can form 3-D images from a one sided view of an object. A very useful adaptation to the world, but might it not serve us well at times.</p>
<p>Say for instance, when a concierge is not seen for who she truly is,
her “essence” is unknown to the snotty residents, who judge her based on appearances?</p>
<p>page 61
This is phenomenology; experience of a phenomenon.
the “science of that which appears to our consciousness”.</p>
<p>“There is the idealism of Edmund Husserl, which as far as I’m concerned now signifies designer label homespun cowls for wayward monks, sidetracked by some obscure schism in the Baptist church”.
Husserl’s theory-All that exists is the perception of the cat.
And the cat itself" Bye-bye Kitty. "</p>
<p>“Henceforth, philosophy will claim the right to wallow exclusively in the wickedness of pure mind”</p>
<p>…last statement
But enough of phenomenology; it is nothing more than the solitary,endless monologue of consciousness, a hard core autism that no real cat would ever importune." </p>
<p>---- We now know that, Renee, is indeed quite an in -depth thinker, and clearly, forms her own opinions and ideas. </p>
<p>If phenomenology is the philosophical pursuit about the "essence of things "- the search for truth by studying the underlying traits that give an object, or person definition, isn’t that this also both Renee and Paloma’s quest ?</p>
<p>At first glance, is Renee just a typical concierge? What makes her unique ? </p>
<p>In the next chapter, “Bacon for the Cocker Spaniel” Paloma witnesses and describes a scene where the dogs, and their owners get entangled,
the dogs are being their true selves, dog ‘essence’.
And, the residents, all denying their true"essences", even ignoring that their pets are animals with natural animal tendencies. In Paloma’s world everything is fake.</p>
<p>Paloma’s chapter expanded on phenomenology, in the most concrete example, of Paloma’s almost “scientific- objective” descriptions of the people, pet scene. </p>
<p>She sees things, experiences her world, and attempts to “make sense of it all”. She looks deeply into everything, on her quest for meaning. </p>
<p>When at the end of the book, Paloma EXPERIENCES and truly FEELS great loss, upon hearing of Renee’s death, Paloma UNDERSTANDS life’s meaning.
Page 123
“What about me ? What do I FEEL? …I hadn’t ever really suffered. Or rather, I was suffering but it didn’t hurt and, as a result, all my little plans were just the luxury of some problematic-free teenager. …
But this time, for the very first time, it HURT, IT REALLY HURT…”</p>
<p>(perhaps the phenomenologist had it right, you have to "experience’ something to know it ? )</p>
<p>I read this book some time ago and, to put it simply, hated it. (Just crossing my fingers that no one in my book club has stumbled upon it as a possible selection.) I found it to be pretentious, boring and awkwardly translated. It seemed as if it were written just to provide for the tedious granular analysis of a college lit class. And I see a kind of snobbery (very French snobbery) in fashioning a whole book around the concept that someone with a menial job might actually be–mon Dieu!–intelligent and well read. It’s not that shocking and it’s not that interesting. And if the movie skips the pseudo intellectual blather in he story, that can only be a good thing!</p>
<p>MommaJ, you are not alone. I’ve read reviews from people who feel the same way you do. It’s interesting how one book can generate such opposing viewpoints. </p>
<p>There is a site online called The Complete Review, which provides excerpts of book reviews from all across the country. For Elegance, those reviews run the gamut, from the glowing:</p>
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<p>…to the deeply dissatisfied:</p>
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<p>[The</a> Elegance of the Hedgehog - Muriel Barbery](<a href=“http://www.complete-review.com/reviews/popfr/barbery.htm]The”>The Elegance of the Hedgehog - Muriel Barbery)</p>
<p>As SouthJerseyChessMom alluded to in her post above, the book’s content was too dense for me (“dense” as in “hard to understand because of the complexity of ideas”), which as a result made me feel…dense (as in “stupid”)! However, that said, I am enjoying the discussion of the novel in this thread and am learning quite a bit. (Thanks, SJCM for the reflections on phenomenology. I wish I’d had you beside me when I was reading—you’re better than footnotes!)</p>
<p>Let’s go back to the Reading Guide for a minute, in particular question 11:</p>
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<p>I admit it surprises me that Elegance, which is neither an easy read nor a happy one, is a bestseller in so many countries. To be honest, I’m especially surprised that it was a bestseller in America, where our top ten reading lists tend toward the likes of Nora Roberts and Nicholas Sparks. My only explanation is that the Cinderella story is one that never loses its appeal, no matter the format. And The Elegance of the Hedgehog is at heart a Cinderella story (death by dry cleaning notwithstanding). Renee is the misunderstood cinder girl, cleaning up after the snobs, and glowing with beauty underneath her cover of ashes. Kakuro is the prince, and his amazing apartment a palace. Renee’s dinner out with Kakuro—where she is not recognized by the tenants–is like the ball where Cinderella arrives in disguise, the envy of the others. And I couldn’t help but notice that after Renee dresses for her evening with Kakuro (outfitted by her “fairy godmother” Manuela), she observes, “The dress and the shoes fit perfectly.”</p>
<p>SouthJerseyChessMom - good post exploring phenomenology.</p>
<p>When Renee delves into the study of phenomenology, as a reader I groaned. At that point I had not yet invested in either the narrative or the characters – and the wander into phenomenology made me question whether or not I wanted to do so. </p>
<p>I believe at about this point seiclan posted </p>
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<p>I have a feeling that the sections on phenomonogy stopped many a reader. I personally felt relief that Renee moves away from the topic.</p>
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<p>My fluent-in-French daughter insists that the translator was showing off. 
Regarding snobbery though, I’ve read through enough threads on CC to totally believe that someone with a menial job – with no college background or community college only – could easily be pigeonholed as less intelligent or well read. The French don’t own exclusive rights to snobbery. I never understood though why Renee felt the need to reinforce her caricature.</p>
<p>Mary – I loved the Cinderella analogy. </p>
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<p>Which begs the question: should Barbery have killed off Cinderella. In my opinion, no.</p>
<p>Now that the Cinderella analogy has been offered, I can see an appealing story line hiding in “Hedgehog”. A lighter touch and a less pretentious approach might have made for an entertaining read. The movie version may be just the ticket to make the story palatable, since a screenplay can’t spend so much time inside the characters’ endlessly philosophizing brains.</p>
<p>^ If the movie were a Hollywood production, the screenwriters would change the ending. It wouldn’t be the first time. (“The Natural,” anyone?)</p>
<p>I liked the combination of the dense material, balanced by the “lighter” touches.
Like the ying/ yang of things-</p>
<p>The elegance of the book for me , was within that “fairy tale’ plot, two alienated, brilliant individuals, Paloma and Renee, find each other, and explore the beauty they discover in the world.
That beauty is explained through their love and appreciation for Japanese sensibilities.
I liked the fact that Renee has intellectual pursuits, but can appreciate The Hunt for Red October. I enjoyed that Renee, the autodidactic, would befriend and love Mauela, with her whole heart. I loved that the frumpy, ugly " Cindarella”, Renee, would transform herself with clothes and hair styles into a stylish woman. </p>
<p>Sadly, Renee had to die, in my view, to be “sacrificed” in order for Paloma, to learn the lessons she needed to learn. That love, is worth living for. </p>
<p>And, the moment that Kakuro and Paloma, hear the classical music, they pause, knowing that this is a beautiful moment for them, which captures the beauty of this book.
For a western mind, like mine, to be reminded that there is beauty all around us, often in the smallest things. </p>
<p>Thank you, Barbery, for awakening my senses, the early morning sunlight shimmering in the forrest was more beautiful this morning. </p>
<p>Thank you, Barbery, for assisting me in finding this link, to the Book of Tea, which explains in such simple, easy to read, terms all about the tea ceremony and Japanese culture. I am enriched in many ways.
[The</a> Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura](<a href=“http://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/tea.htm]The”>The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura)</p>
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<p>Tough call. SJChessMom’s analysis is intriguing, but I lean toward ignatius’ view.</p>
<p>I don’t have a problem with tragic endings. Some of my favorite novels—Cold Mountain, The Road, A Prayer for the Dying—have devastating endings and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But those endings are “earned”; there is a buildup, a sense of foreboding, a knowledge of certain destiny. When I reached the end of Elegance, I felt no catharsis, no satisfaction—just a bewildered, “what the…?” </p>
<p>I’ll concede, however, that as we discuss the book and peel back the “layers” that SJChessMom mentioned earlier, I am seeing a method to Barbery’s madness and am more accepting of her decision to end the book the way she did.</p>
<p>^^^ Such a good book for discussion, because there are so many perspectives. </p>
<p>Life and death theme.
Paloma debated suicide throughout the book.
Ozu movie, scene regarding the camellias on the moss- a father who is dying, walks with his daughter.
Renee describes the dying days of her husband, Lucien.
Arthens dies.</p>
<p>Page 114</p>
<p>"Live ,or die, mere consequences of what you have built. What matters is building well.
So here we are ,I’ve assigned myself a new obligation. I’m going to stop undoing, deconstructing. I’m going to start building. Even with Columbe I’ll try to do something positive.
What matters is what you are doing when you die, and when June 16th comes around I want to building. "</p>
<p>So, what was Renee doing at the time of her death???</p>
<p>SJCM mentions the “life and death” theme and Arthens’ death. Barbery’s first book centers around Arthens’ death. (And no - I don’t plan on reading it.) Barbery uses the same setting in both books and I guess that characters overlap.</p>
<p>[Gourmet</a> Rhapsody, by Muriel Barbery - the author of The Elegance of the Hedgehog - book review](<a href=“Zoome casino online: play pokies for free”>Zoome casino online: play pokies for free)</p>
<p>I searched to see if I could find out if Renee makes an appearance in Gourmet Rhapsody – she does. I also discovered other interesting tidbits.</p>
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</p>
<p>Well, here’s the answer: </p>
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<p>So toss all thoughts of foreshadowing, etc. What is Renee doing at the time of her death? I venture nothing out of the ordinary. </p>
<p>As she dies, Renee thinks:</p>
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<p>Renee’s death does indeed feel random to this reader. Perhaps had Muriel Barbery eaten something different for breakfast that day, Renee would have lived and loved. :)</p>
<p>As to word choice:</p>
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<p>And my favorite tidbit of info:</p>
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</p>
<p>All three of my kids once picked Ender’s Game as one of five books that they needed to have if stranded on a desert island – and all three have quite different reading tastes. Ender scores again. :)</p>
<p>Here’s the source of the info:</p>
<p>[Bookstore</a> People Lost in Translation II – A Conversation with Muriel Barbery](<a href=“Best Brand New Casino Gambling Books - Book Store People”>Best Brand New Casino Gambling Books - Book Store People)</p>
<p>^^ super link, Ignatius.<br>
I guess the blogger really liked the book-
"Regular readers of this blog, or anyone who has stood next to me in a bookstore, know that I found The Elegance of the Hedgehog the best book I’ve read in years "</p>
<p>Surprising that Muriel only dreamed of Japan, until the book was published then she moved there:
“Muriel took the money she made from the book and moved to Japan with her husband (he’s photographer, see some of his photos on her blog [Muriel</a> Barbery](<a href=“http://muriel.barbery.net/]Muriel”>http://muriel.barbery.net/), in French, but you’ll understand the pictures). Prior to that, Muriel only dreamed of Japan. She worried that once she visited, she would discover that she wrote Ozu wrong, but the first man they met was Ozu personified. The book was very well received in Japan.”</p>
<p>I ask about Renee’s death because she died trying to help Gegene. page 314
“I think briefly of how fond the old tramp was of that arrogant grand master of gastronomy, and it brings a smile to my lips, for those who are CONTENT, class struggle suddenly seems less important, I muse surprised that my rebellious consciousness has yielded in this way”</p>
<p>Next chapter- my camellias-
page 316
I ran after Gegene leaving my shopping bag and purse behind me …"</p>
<p>Let’s revisit grumpier Renee’s previous encounter with Gegene-
page 128
“You should go to the shelter” I tell him, as I always do, “it’s going to get cold tonight”</p>
<p>When Gegene appears moved that the food critic had died, Renee, trying make sense of this says
“Did he give you something. I don’t know, some money for Christmas”</p>
<p>Later, while shopping.
“This exchange is disturbing, and while I thread my way up and down the aisles of the market, I let my thoughts wander back to Gegene, I have never given poor people credit for having noble souls …” </p>
<p>I would say the hedgehog showed her vulnerable, caring side when she without hesitation, ran to save the stumbling homeless man, dropping her purse, reacting to someone in distress. </p>
<p>Wouldn’t you say that was a noble thing to do? Seems like Renee’s character evolved by the end of the novel. </p>
<p>Honestly, I was not surprised that Renee died. I would have been shocked and deeply saddened had Paloma died.</p>
<p>One more little thing regarding the ending.
From this review:
[Muriel</a> Barbery: An Elegant Quill - TIME](<a href=“http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1836659,00.html]Muriel”>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1836659,00.html)</p>
<p>'Indeed, Elegance can be a bit intimidating when Ren</p>
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<p>SJCM, outside this discussion, I suspect ignatius and I are in the minority, not you. After all, The Elegance of the Hedgehog was ”published in thirty-five languages, in over twenty-five countries… a bestseller in France, Spain, Germany, Italy, South Korea, and America.” Doesn’t sound to me like too many people had a problem with the ending or anything else!</p>
<p>Moving away from the ending…I was thinking about question 10 from the Reader’s Guide:</p>
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10. A Bridge across Generations…
Ren</p>
<p>I don’t want to derail our current discussion here, but I’m about to embark on a road trip extraordinaire. Shall I take our next book with me? What’s it going to be?</p>
<p>All suggestions welcome!</p>
<p>Okay, carry on with Elegance :)</p>