THE ART OF INTIMACY IN LITERATURE: A CASE STUDY OF

ANNIE ERNAUX’S REPERTOIRE

First Degree Programme

In

English Language and Literature under CBCS system

Mar Ivanios College (Autonomous)

Thiruvananthapuram

2023
THE ART OF INTIMACY IN LITERATURE: A CASE STUDY OF

ANNIE ERNAUX’S REPERTOIRE

Dissertation submitted to the University of Kerala in partial fulfillment of the

Degree of Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature

CANDIDATE CANDIDATE CODE

1.Adithya S R 1200217

2.Bindhuja B J 1200223

3.Krishnanjaly K 1200227

4. Malavika Thamban 1200249

5. Nikha Sab S 1200252

6. Vrindha Chinnu Mathews 1200270

7. Akash J B 1200272

Course Code: AUEN 645

MAR IVANIOS COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS)

2023
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Meenu Jose, Assistant Professor, Department of

English for providing invaluable guidance and support throughout this project. Her in-

depth knowledge and advice were instrumental in helping us to complete our project

successfully. We would also like to thank Dr. Reny Skaria, Head of the Department of

English for her valuable suggestions and unwavering support throughout the duration

of this project. Last but not least, we thank the Almighty for the wisdom and strength

He has provided us in completing the project.

1. Adithya S R - 1200217

2. Bindhuja B J - 1200223

3. Krishnanjaly K - 1200227

4. Malavika Thamban - 1200249

5. Nikha Sab S - 1200252

6. VrindhaChinnu Mathews - 1200270

7. Akash J B - 1200272
 DECLARATION

We hereby declare the dissertation entitled “The Art of Intimacy in Literature: A Case

Study of Annie Ernaux’s Repertoire” is a record of research work carried out by us at

the Department of English, Mar Ivanios College (Autonomous), under the guidance of

Dr. Meenu Jose, and submitted to the University of Kerala in partial fulfilment of the

requirements for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Arts, First Degree Programme in

English Language and Literature under CBCS system.

Adithya S R………………………………..

Bindhuja B J……………………………….

Krishnanjaly K…………….........................

Malavika Thamban………………………...

Nikha Sab S…………………………………

Vrindha Chinnu Mathews……………….......

Akash J B………………...............................
 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the dissertation titles “The Art of Intimacy in Literature: A Case

Study of Annie Ernaux’s Repertoire” is a record of studies carried out by Adithya S.R,

Akash J.B, Bindhuja B.J, Krishnanjaly K, Malavika Thamban, Nikha Sab S, Vrindha

Chinnu Mathews at the Department of English, Mar Ivanios College(Autonomous),

under my guidance and submitted to the University of Kerala in partial fulfilment of

the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, First Degree Programme in English Language and

Literature under CBCS system.

…………………………… …………………..................

Dr. Reny Skaria Dr. Meenu Jose

Head of Department Assistant Professor

Department of English Department of English

Mar Ivanios College Mar Ivanios College

Thiruvananthapuram Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram

29 March 2023
 PREFACE

The project “The Art of Intimacy in Literature: A Case Study of Annie Ernaux’s

Repertoire” is an enquiry into the recent Nobel laureate Annie Therese Blanche

Ernaux’s life and craft as a woman exploring the possibilities of intimacy in literature.

The goal of the study is to look at the various ways that intimacy is portrayed

and communicated in literature, especially in Annie Ernaux’s repertoire. The author’s

use of language, writing style, and themes is examined as part of the project which is

used to examine the text and investigate the concept of intimacy.

The first chapter of the project introduces the statement of the problem, need

and significance of the study, hypothesis to be proved, aims and objectives, research

methodology, review of literature and the context of study.

The second chapter examines the concept of intimacy in literature, focusing on

the historical analysis of intimate writing and the debates and criticisms that centers on

it. This chapter also examines how intimacy is portrayed in the works of Annie Ernaux.

The final chapter presents a conclusion that explores how intimacy in writing

can potentially become a barrier to recognition and reception for writers.

The purpose of this project is to contribute to the expanding body of research on

intimacy in literature, specifically through the lens of Annie Ernaux's repertoire. This

study sheds light on the complexities and nuances of intimate writing and the impact it

can have on the reception and recognition of writers. The project aims to stimulate

further discussion and research on this topic and deepen the understanding of the

concept of intimacy in literature.

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Chapter One

Introduction

Intimacy, in its various forms, has long been a staple of literature. From the

confessional poetry of Sylvia Plath to the autobiographical novels of Karl Ove

Knausgaard, writers have used their personal experiences to create deeply intimate and

often compelling works. However, while intimacy can add depth and richness to

writing, it can also present challenges when it comes to reception and recognition. In a

world where readers and critics are increasingly attuned to issues of representation and

diversity, the question of whether intimacy in writing can be a hindrance to recognition

and acceptance has become more pressing than ever before. The idea of intimacy has

been explored repeatedly in literature across a variety of genres and styles, including

novels, poetry and memoirs. Writers provide insights into human emotions, wants, and

vulnerabilities through their depiction of personal relationships.

For authors to write their life honestly or fearlessly remains a rebellious and

often transgressive act. Frankness and candour in the treatment of subject matter was

almost taboo which ended up their works labelled as erotic. The aim of this project to

analyse the concept of intimacy through the works of Annie Ernaux, the Nobel laureate

whose writings are razor sharp, set inside the truest functionality of things.

The tradition bound patriarchal society has always been harsh on unconventional

lifestyle and such portrayals in literary works as well. Writers especially women writers

are often the victim of society’s wrath for projecting their inner self and emotions.

Sylvia Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar was heavily criticized for its

depiction of mental illness and female sexuality. Sidonie Gabrielle Collette’s novel
 2

Cheri caused a scandal due to its frank portrayal of a love affair between a young man

and an older woman. The novel was criticized for its explicit sexual content. Kamala

Das was known as an unforgiving and brutal writer. A peek into her stories and poem

highlights the women who are desolate, unloved, besotted and unhappy. Questioning

the status quo, she explores the relationships between men and women. Sexually

liberated love tales and free treatment of human body put her works in a league of her

own. In a world of pseudo-feminism and slut shaming it takes immense courage to put

forward thoughts that don’t sit comfortably with everybody.

One of the earliest examples of intimate writing can be found in the personal

diaries of famous writers such as Virginia Woolf and Anais Nin. In these diaries, the

authors wrote about innermost thoughts and feelings, providing an intimate glimpse

into their personal lives. These diaries were often kept private, but some were

eventually published, allowing readers to gain insight into the authors’ inner worlds. In

the mid-20th century, a number of writers began to explore intimate writing in a more

public way. The confessional poetry of Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton, for example,

dealt with deeply personal issues such as mental illness, suicide and divorce. These

poems were often raw and emotional, and they helped to pave the way for a more open

and honest approach to writing about personal experiences.

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of the memoir as a popular genre. Writers

such as Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, and Frank McCourt wrote about their personal

experiences growing up and facing racism, poverty, and other challenges. These

memoirs often dealt with deeply personal issues and were written in a confessional

style. D.H Lawrence, the English writer and poet, was known for his exploration of

themes related to sexuality, relationships, and intimacy. His works often depicted the

complex and tumultuous nature of human relationships, including the conflicts and
 3

tensions that can arise between individuals. Lawrence’s most famous novel, Lady

Chatterley’s Lover, was banned for several decades because of its explicit sexual

content, which was considered scandalous at the time. The novel explores the

relationship between Lady Constance Chatterley and her gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors,

and depicts their sexual and emotional connection in great detail. In recent years,

intimate writing has taken on new forms. The rise of social media has given people a

platform to share their personal experiences with a wider audience. Blogs, vlogs, and

other online platforms have become popular ways for writers to share their thoughts

and feelings about their lives. This has led to a proliferation of voices and perspectives,

making intimate writing more diverse and inclusive.

Need and Significance of the Study

Literature can help us understand the dynamics of human relationships,

including romantic relationships, familial relationships, and friendships. By exploring

the intimate moments between characters, we can gain a deeper understanding of the

ways in which people connect with one another.

Literature can reflect and challenge cultural values related to intimacy, such as

ideas about gender roles, sexuality and intimacy. By studying these themes in literature,

we can gain insights into the cultural contexts in which they are produced and

reproduced. In short, the study of intimacy in literature is significant because it can help

us understand human relationships, explore emotional experiences, examine cultural

values, and analyse literary techniques.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis of this project suggests that the intimate writing styles may

impede the reception and recognition of a piece of literature. The unconventional nature
 4

of intimate writing may render the content excessively personal or subjective, resulting

in a limited audience’s capacity to relate or appreciate the work.

Aims and Objectives

The aims and objectives of this project are:

1. To define and analyse the concept of intimacy in literature, through the works

of Annie Ernaux.

2. To review the relevant literature on intimacy and its impact on the reception

and recognition of literary works.

3. To examine the relationship between intimacy, identity, and the reader’s

perception of the author.

4. To explore courage as a quality prerequisite to intimate writings.

5. To analyse how personal experiences are resonating and is a reflection to the

larger functioning of the society.

Methodology

The primary sources of the project are Annie Ernaux’s works titled Simple Passion,

Happening and A Frozen Women. It is intended to analyse news from reputed

newspapers, both online and offline. Blogs, journals and magazines related to the top

is consulted and debates and discussions on news channels is also analysed in order to

obtain new and divergent perspective on the issue.

Review of Literature

The purpose of this project is to conduct a study on the research question “Is

intimacy in writings a hindrance to reception and recognition”. In reviewing the

literature on this topic, several perspectives emerge. Some argue that intimacy in
 5

writing can be a hindrance to the reception and recognition of literary works. For

example, in her book Intimacy and Exclusion: Religious Politics in Pre-Revolutionary

Baden, historian Susan R. Boettcher argues that intimate relationships between authors

and their readers can lead to exclusionary practices in the literary world. Boettcher

suggests that intimacy can create a kind of insider’s club where only those who are “in

the know” can appreciate and value certain works. On the other hand, some argue that

intimacy in writing can actually enhance the reception and recognition of literary works.

For example, in her book The Intimate Critique: Autobiographical Literary Criticism,

literary critic Diane P. Freedman argues that intimacy can be powerful tool for

understanding and interpreting literary works. Freedman suggests that writers who

draw on their own personal experiences and relationships can create works that are

more accessible and meaningful to readers. Likewise, novelist and essayist Leslie

Jamison argues that intimacy is essential to create works that resonate with readers. In

her book The Empath Exams, Jamison explores the role of intimacy in her own writing,

arguing that her willingness to be vulnerable and to share her own personal experiences

has helped her connect with readers on a deep and meaningful level.

In Intimacy and Distance in Writing: A reading of Montaigne’s Essais, Vincent

Descombes explores the role of intimacy in Montaigne’s essays. Descombes suggests

that Montaigne’s willingness to share intimate details of his life allows readers to

connect with him on a personal level, and this connection enhances the reader’s

reception of his work. In contrast, in The End of Intimacy: Digital technology and the

Literary Public Sphere, Michael Warner suggests that digital technology has

diminished the importance of intimacy in literature. According to Warner, the digital

age has created a new kind of public sphere in which intimacy is no longer valued, and

instead, a more impersonal form of communication is preferred. As a result, writers

 6

who focus on intimate subjects may find it difficult to gain recognition and an audience

in this new literary landscape. Similarly, in The Art of Distance: Literary Criticism after

Formalism Evgeny Dobrenko argues that intimacy in writing can be a hindrance to

recognition because it could make it harder for the reader to really get involved in the

work. According to Dobrenko, readers may become too focused on the personal details

of the author’s life and miss the larger themes and ideas in the work.

In Mary Ann Cain’s article The Risk of Intimacy: The Importance of the Reader-

Writer Relationship, the author argues that intimacy in writing can actually enhance

reception and recognition by creating a strong connection between the reader and the

writer. The Politics of Intimacy by Lauren Berlant explores how intimacy in writing can

be used as a political tool to challenge dominant power structures. Amanda Anderson’s

article The Intimacy of Fiction and the Fiction of Intimacy examines the relationship

between intimacy and fiction, arguing that the boundaries between the personal and the

fictional are often blurred The Paradox of Intimacy: Affective Resistance in the Writing

of James Baldwin by Erica Edward examines the ways in which Baldwin’s intimate

writing style challenged mainstream ideas about race and sexuality. K. Silem

Mohammad’s article Intimacy and the Essay: Form and Anxiety in Montaigne, Bacon,

and Emerson looks at the historical roots of intimate writing in the essay form and

argues that the anxiety around intimacy in writing is related to anxieties around the self

and subjectivity.

Context of Study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether intimacy in writings can be a

hindrance to the reception and recognition of such literary works by primarily analyzing

the works of Annie Ernaux. Since time immemorial intimacy has been portrayed in
 7

literature through various ways irrespective of the gender differences. Even in this

context not many academic studies have focused on the aspects of reception and

recognition of intimate writings. Hence this study is intended as an attempt to give a

better understanding about it.

Exploring the topic of intimacy in writings as a hindrance to reception and

recognition is crucial to understand the complexities of literature and the creative

processes. While personal experiences can enrich writing, they can also limit the

accessibility of the work and prevent it from reaching a broader audience. It is important

to examine how intimacy affects the reception and recognition of literature, and to find

a balance between personal expression and universal appeal. By understanding the

potential drawbacks of intimacy in writing, we can create more inclusive and relatable

literature that speaks to a diverse range of readers. Ultimately, this discussion sheds

light on the importance of crafting compelling and thought-provoking writing that both

reflects our own experiences and resonates with a wider audience.

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Chapter Two

Intimacy in Literature: An Exploration of the Personal and the Emotional

Intimacy in literature refers to the portrayal of personal, emotional, sexual and

psychological experiences in a literary work. Such works explores the complexities of

human relationships the inner workings of mind, and the emotional struggle that arises

from personal experiences. Intimacy in literature allows writers to delve deep into

human condition, and to create works that are both emotionally powerful and relatable

to wider audience.

Throughout history, the portrayal of intimacy in literature has been met with

criticism from orthodox and traditionalist ideologies. Consequently, many writers are

hesitant to depict sexuality and other intimate relationships in their work due to fear of

judgement or embarrassment for being too revealing. Nonetheless, including intimate

elements in writing can establish a meaningful connection between the writer and their

readers. It is important to note that intimacy can manifest in various forms beyond

sexual relations, such as familial bonds or emotions such as grief, illness, or death.

To create intimacy in writing, authors employ personal genres such as diaries,

journals, letters, and autobiographical accounts, as well as specific literary techniques

that contribute to textual intimacy, such as fragmentation, citation, apostrophe, voice,

and style. While critics of intimacy in literature argue for a strict separation of the

private and public domains, literature should reflect the writer’s freedom of expression

to create works that resonate with their personal experiences and perspectives. Writing

is an art form that allows authors to exercise their creative freedom and to choose what
 9

they wish to depict in their work, without pressure to conform to external expectations

or norms.

The project attempt to answer whether intimacy is a hindrance to reception and

recognition? by analysing a few instances of intimate writings in literature and the

detailed study of intimacy in the writings of Annie Ernaux and the criticism raised

against such writings in general.

Historical Analysis of Intimate Writings in Literature

Intimacy is never an unpopular term around mankind. The very beginning of

intimacy in literature is simultaneously tender and twisted.

Intimacy in literature has a lot to say, from the angle of romantic desire, to the

intensified gender negotiations aligning with it, to more possibility of emancipation of

women in a patriarchal world and the most private spheres of emotions into which all

individuals easily replicate and, the list prolongs. The concept of intimate writing is

often associated with autobiographical works, diaries, letters, and other personal

writings that offer a glimpse into the author’s private thoughts and experiences. The

tradition of intimate writings in literature, particularly love poetry, can be traced back

to ancient Greece, where poets like Sappho wrote about their personal experience of

love and desire. Sappho’s poetry is particularly notable for its intimacy and personal

nature. She often wrote from a first-person perspective, expressing her own feelings

and desires in a way that was uncommon for the time. Her poetry also challenged

traditional gender roles and societal expectations around sexuality, which made her a

controversial figure in her own time and beyond.

Another example of intimate writing is the personal diary of Anne Frank,

written during World War II while she and her family were in hiding from the Nazis.
 10

Frank’s diary provides a poignant and deeply personal account of life under extreme

circumstances, and it has become one of the most widely read and beloved books of the

20th century.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, writers such as Samuel Pepys, Virginia Woolf,

and Marcel Proust produced intimate writings that offered a glimpse into their personal

lives and experiences. These works often dealt with themes of love, loss, and self-

discovery, and they helped to establish the tradition of autobiographical writing that

would continue to flourish in the modern era.

In the 20th century, the genre of intimate writing became increasingly diverse

and complex, encompassing a wide range of forms and styles. Writers such as Sylvia

Plath, Anaïs Nin, and James Baldwin used personal diaries, letters, and memoirs to

explore deeply personal themes, including sexuality, identity, and mental illness.

These works often challenged conventional notions of gender and sexuality, and

they played a key role in the development of modern feminist and LGBTQ+ literature.

Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence tells the story of an upper-class

woman who begins a sexual relationship with her husband’s gamekeeper. The book

caused controversy upon its publication in 1928 due to its explicit sexual content. Lolita

by Vladimir Nabokov is a novel that follows the story of a middle-aged man who

becomes obsessed with a young girl and begins a sexual relationship with her. The work

is known for its controversial subject matter and its lyrical prose style. Tropic of Cancer

by Henry Miller is another autobiographical novel is known for its graphic depictions

of sexuality and its exploration of Miller’s relationships with various women in Paris

in the 1930s.
 11

Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin is a collection of short stories explores various

erotic encounters between men and women. The book was originally written as

commissioned erotica in the 1940s, but was not published until 1977, after Nin’s death.

The twentieth century prolific literary icon, Virginia Woolf revolutionised

literature with her essays, biographies and diaries. She teared the tag given to women

during her period and became an indispensable name pioneering feminism. Her seminal

work A Room of One's Own examines every bit of contradictions that feminine gender

was thrown into. By giving life to a character like 'Judith Shakespeare' - as

Shakespeare's own sister, the brilliant and talented individual just like him, but destined

to lead a miserable domestic life due to the role that society assigned for her. Woolf had

the courage to express the inner intentions and desires that germinates from a person

and the significance of time and space for them to sprout out and adore the limelight

they often desired for no matter. In fact, writers like 'Virginia Woolf' became

torchbearers in normalising intimate writings to literature.

Another example is the popular French writer and critic Catherine Millet who

broke the fetters of restrictions and principles laid in narrative contents by writing her

own 2002 memoir - The Sexual Life of Catherine M. It details her sexual history from

masturbating since childhood to her fascination with group sex in adulthood. Her life

and writing as a nymphomaniac threw to the wind the inhibitions in literature that

writers had in common. When American author Ursula K. Le Guin came up with her

science fiction with a futuristic exploration of sexuality in her book The Left-hand of

Darkness (1969) it just proved that alterations are adorned in literature greatly. Writers

like Ursula made it possible for the world to accept the narrative spaces representing

gender and sex with least absurdity.

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Overall, intimate writing in literature has played an important role in shaping

our understanding of the human experience. By offering a glimpse into the private

thoughts and emotions of writers, these works have helped to illuminate some of the

most complex and challenging aspects of human life, and they continue to inspire and

challenge readers around the world.

Intimate Writings: Debates and Controversies

Intimate writing has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, this

type of writing has also faced criticism from some quarters. Some of the common

criticisms faced by intimate writers are:

1) Absence of Context: Intimate writing often lacks historical, social, and political

context, making it challenging for readers to comprehend the experiences and emotions

that are being described

2) Solipsism: Intimate writers are often self-absorbed and that their emphasis on

personal experiences can make their writing seem solipsistic.

3) Lack of Objectivity: Intimate writing is often subjective and lacks objectivity,

making it difficult to distinguish the author’s experiences and emotions from the

broader context in which they occur.

4) Over-Reliance on Emotion: Intimate writers often rely too heavily on emotional

expression and that this can make their writing seem melodramatic or overwrought.

5) Stereotyping: Intimate writing can perpetuate harmful stereotypes or reinforce

traditional gender roles.

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Despite these criticisms, many writers continue to explore personal and emotional

experiences in their work. Ultimately, the critical reception of intimate writing will

depend on the individual perspective and opinions of each reader.

Exploring Intimacy in the Works of Annie Ernaux

From Selma Lagerlof to Annie Ernaux, only 16 women have bagged the

global literature’s most prestigious title – The Nobel prize. Being the first French

woman Annie Therese Blanche Ernaux was awarded the Nobel prize “for the courage

and clinical acuity with which she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective

restraints of personal memory.” “Ernaux consistently and from different angles,

examines a life marked by strong disparities regarding gender, language and class.

Her path to authorship was long and arduous,” reads her biography, shared by the

Academy.

Born in 1940, Ernaux grew up in a small town of Normandy and was raised by

the parents who had a grocery store and a coffee shop. Brought up in a working-class

background she climbed the social ladder and become a French writer, professor of

literature and Noble laureate through her sheer hard work and passion towards writing.

The intimacy in her writings is something that makes her different from the

others and this chapter aims to analyse the intensity of intimacy and how and why she

writes in such a way.

As a writer, Annie Ernaux’s aim intends to record an account of her life- not

because they are her personal experiences, but because she has had these experiences.

Ernaux is not the first writer to shed light on women’s experiences, but she has rightly

fixed the gaps that exists in such portrayals. With her compelling writings that drills

deeper into the human soul Ernaux introduce the readers to narratives that are taboo.
 14

She is certainly a trendsetter who went beyond all the conventions set up the society as

well as literature. Her writings open several doors towards the female psyche, her

struggles in the patriarchal environments, her quest for identity and sexuality, her search

for love and finally the realisation of her physical needs and desires.

Ernaux gives us a word-by-word description of what it is actually like to go through

an abortion, to desperately longing for a man’s presence, to have a relationship or to

witness one’s own mother being the victim of torture by her father. Nothing stops her

form scribbling such private moments that many of us like to be kept hidden. For her it

is like recollection, going once again to the childhood and yester years and keeping the

memories safe. Even though these experiences are personal and intimate, at the same

time they are universal and omnipresent. There will be many who have undergone an

illegal abortion especially in orthodox countries, there who grew up watching their

mother being beaten by the father, who likes to be in company with a partner. Hence,

through these narratives what Ernaux actually does is placing the entire humanity or

more particularly the entire female population in that position. Through her, so called

‘genre bending narratives’ Ernaux gives the readers a better understanding of the larger

functioning of life where the beauty of such immaculate intimate moments thrives.

Feminist literary criticism is described using the unique writing style of

Écriture féminine by the female writers. The style focuses on the personal experiences

and its rejection of traditional narrative conventions. Ernaux is one such writer often

associated with Écriture feminine, her works explore themes of gender and identity in

a powerful and intimate way. Her writings are considered as a manifestation of Écriture

feminine.
 15

Annie Ernaux had a unique writing characterized by its flat and detached tone.

It is a departure from the traditional and emotive writing that is usually seen in literature,

it also has the subject of much critical attention and discussion.

Ernaux describes her style as ‘flat writing’— aiming for a very objective view

of the events she is describing, unshaped by florid description or overwhelming

emotions.

According to Warren Motte in Annie Ernaux’s Understatement, Ernaux

objectively and neutrally portrays the situation surrounding her father’s death. Like

many critics and like Ernaux herself, Motte describes her work A Man’s Place as an

example of minimalistic writing as it deals with a personal crisis- the death of her father

while excluding emotions and subjectivity in favour of a more neutral and factual tone.

(Motte 56)

A Man’s Place which details the life, death and relationship with his daughter

won the 1984 Prinx Renaudot, hailed Annie Ernaux as one of the foremost

contemporary authors and established her now signature– “flat” writing style. A Man’s

Place which is neither wholly autobiographical nor entirely fictive approaches the

personal and at the same time to avoid it through the use of LÉcriture plate – that is flat,

objective and emotionless. She comments in “ This neutral way of writing comes to

me naturally, it is the very same style I used when I wrote home telling my parents, the

latest news” (A Man’s Place 15).

Anders Olsson, the chairman of the Nobel Literature committee, remarked

Ernaux’s work as “uncompromising and written in plain language, scraped clean”. This

strategy of flat writing is clearly accompanied with a mission. Writing about the self in

Ernaux opinion invariably implies writing about a socio-political setting which

 16

increases the representativeness of one’s own experiences. Through this she aims to

capture the collective experience of humanity regardless of class, gender and language.

Ernaux stands out from the rest by the rejecting the obsession of an exquisite and well-

turned language and by employing minimalistic style of flat writing. She says that her

language is “brutality direct, working class and sometimes obscene” and has described

herself as using words like “a knife”.

Intimacy in Simple Passion, Happening, and A Frozen Woman

Simple Passion

Ernaux started her career as a school teacher and currently teaches in France.

Her debut work published in 1974, les armoires vides translated into English as Cleaned

out by Carol Sanders is about an illegal abortion she had in 1963. As one read about the

difficulties, she had faced in terminating her unwanted pregnancy, so many can relate,

as they may have also had a backstreet abortion. It becomes all the more relevant since

abortion amounts to felony in many countries even today. Through her very first book,

Ernaux captures the horrifying experiences where women are forced to undergo

abortion through illegal means along with the hindrances faced by them in exercising

their bodily autonomy.

She continued to write about her working-class upbringing in post-World War

II France, teenage eating disorders, her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease, the death of her

parents and breast cancer.

Passion Simple published in 1991, translated into English by Tanya Leslie as

Simple Passion is simply her hulking passion for a married man whose identity is left

obscured, but denoted as ‘A’. After a brief introduction about watching porn on a
 17

television, she writes, “Beginning in September of last year, I did nothing else but wait

for a man” (Simple Passion 2).

Woman having affair with a married man is not something that is easily

accepted. But this never prevents her from describing her intense passion towards a

man and the universal emotions of love and desire is pushed to the forefront. It is about

how a passionate affair forms a vortex around which all her other events revolve. The

writer eagerly anticipated his phone calls informing her of his impending visits, they

would spend their afternoons together delighting in sex, she would go out and buy new

clothes and underwear only for him to take off. Likewise, her entire life revolve around

him like the Earth revolves around the Sun. Being indifferent to judgement and

criticism, Ernaux acknowledges the complexities of human emotions that defy

emotions and moral codes, by the raw and honest description of her all-consuming

affair with a married man who have no intention of leaving his wife. She writes,

“I do not wish to explain my passion – that would imply that it was a mistake or some

disorder I need to justify – but simply to describe it” (Simple Passion 21).

The placid illustration of her absurdities and desires, the sheer insanity in falling

for a man who is not completely hers, from their erotic copulations to the depression

evolved from their separation, the agony of his absence and the briskness followed by

his presence, the framing of their amorous moments to the contemplations until their

next meeting is all what makes Simple Passion brutally direct and intimate.

It is sure that certain aspects of this work will definitely be resonating to at least

a handful of who have gone through the intense and conflicting emotions, such as being

torn between the conflicting need to flee from a challenging circumstance and the
 18

knowledge that doing so would be unimaginable like Ernaux when she wrote in Simple

Passion:

“I longed to end the affair, so as not to be at the mercy of a phone call, so as not to

suffer, and then realising at once what this would entail, seconds after the separation:

a succession of days with nothing to hope for” (Simple Passion 15).

In long run readers, may find her work obscene but extremely honest in revealing even

the foibles she had committed.

A Frozen Woman

A Frozen Woman (1994), is another exceptional novel by Annie Ernaux. The

whole book is a prequel to Simple Passion and a sequel to another work A Man’s

place (1983), since all her works represent her personal memoirs, these books give a

loop of continuity regarding her to readers. Her life during adolescence to the

embracing of motherhood for the first time in life is expounded in this book.

The book peculiar with its title, is eventually the story that conveyed how she

became the ‘frozen woman’ with a state of lifelessness, obscured ambitions and

thwarted emotions. As a young girl, Ernaux had curiosity, longing desires and

ignorance. Her adolescence brought her interests with the opposite sex and filled with

the consciousness regarding her mind and body. She was a girl who often compares her

with other girls’ lives and questioned her personal concerns. Her teenage awakening

ushered in falling for someone and during her period of higher studies, lust and

domesticity started taking a toll on her. She married and conceived for the first time

and was followed by another pregnancy. By the age of 30, she became the mother of

two sons, her husband was successful, they had secured financial stability, she took

tuitions at home, became a teacher and a mother, but she is ‘A Frozen Woman’.
 19

Her life and writings seem rational as well as arid in this book. The whole book

gives an outlook on a muted womanhood and a submissive domesticity to which she

walked into.

Happening

In most of her books, Annie Ernaux paints unflinching portrayals of some of

life’s most private moments, such as sexual encounters, abortions, etc. She also uses

writing as a tool to reconstruct and modify her own. Happening discusses an abortion,

she had in the 1960s, when the procedure was forbidden in France. Although Ernaux is

writing from a period when abortion is legal, she observes in the book that this doesn’t

lessen the significance of discussing reproductive rights. Happening is a tense, tragic

depiction of how the abortion debate must constantly be buried under the surface of

socially acceptable speech. Ernaux’s confusion about how she can talk about the illegal

activity takes up a large portion of the book. She provides gruesome details about the

physical and psychological harm that the pregnancy and the abortion procedure caused

her, as well as how those around her responded: the friends who offered practical

assistance; the notion that she was a girl who had obviously had sex with someone else

and might therefore be open to having sex with them; the doctors who shunned her out

of Catholic distaste; etc. In other words, Annie Ernaux’s description of being a woman

can be summarised as an experience of surveillance.

Her art has a conflicting tension that comes from a blend of sensual

shamelessness and calm, flat styling. Less an exhibitionist than an archivist of what

other people would be too embarrassed to disclose, she writes in Happening that she

will describe her abortion with “all the means at my disposal: attention to details, use

of descriptive past tense, analysis of events” (Happening 18) .

 20

The fact that Annie Ernaux speaks unapologetically about the female

experience—a viewpoint that is frequently ignored in popular literature—is what makes

her writing so potent. She is brutally honest and straightforward as she discusses taboo

subjects including female sexual desire, adultery, and violence against women. Nearly

everyone has a strong and unwavering view regarding abortion, but it’s also one of

those topics that is really challenging to discuss. The social and political discourse on

abortion is always rooted in the vague and philosophically moralising rather than the

personal, psychological, and even social. Through this work, she compels us to ponder

why this topic, which so many people have first-hand experience with and have to deal

with, has become difficult to talk about while simultaneously pointing out that

“abortion” as a topic has no place in language.

Reader Reception and Interpretation of Annie Ernaux’s Intimate Writings

Annie Ernaux’s works have received a range of responses from readers. Some

readers find her writing to be insightful, intimate, and emotionally powerful, while

others find it to be flat, unemotional, or self-indulgent. Some common reactions to

Ernaux’s works are:

1) Empathy: Many readers find that Ernaux’s writing elicits feelings of empathy and

understanding, as she writes about experiences that are common to many people.

2) Emotional Resonance: Readers often describe feeling a strong emotional connection

to Ernaux’s writing, as her focus on personal experiences resonates with their own lives.

3) Intimacy: Readers often praise Ernaux for her willingness to write about intimate

and personal experiences, and for her honesty and vulnerability in doing so.
 21

4) Flat Writing Style: Some readers find Ernaux’s writing style to be too flat and

unemotional, and argue that this style does not effectively convey the depth of the

experiences and emotions that she is describing.

5) Subject matter: Ernaux often writes about intimate and personal experiences, which

is uncomfortable or triggering for some readers.

Overall, the reader’s response to Ernaux’s works depend on their individual

perspectives and opinions about her writing style and themes. Regardless of the

response, Ernaux’s works continue to be widely read and discussed, and her writing

continues to be considered an important contribution to the literary landscape.

Intimacy : A Hindrance to Reception

Intimacy in writing can be both a hindrance and a help to reception and

recognition, depending on the context and the audience. Intimacy with a literary work

can stem from a reader’s personal identification with the characters, themes, or events

depicted in the text, as well as their emotional investment in the story. However, this

emotional attachment can also hinder the reader’s ability to engage with the work

critically and objectively, potentially leading to a biased or incomplete interpretation.

On one hand, writing that is too personal or intimate can alienate some

readers, who may not be interested in such a level of exposure or may find it off-

putting. This can result in a lack of reception or recognition for the work.

Various people including from the literary community have openly expressed

their dislike for works that are explicit in the treatment of sex. According to Maya

Angelou “I don't like to read anything that's too graphic or explicit. It doesn't leave

anything to the imagination”.

 22

Intimate writing has been a source of controversy for centuries, with many cultures and

societies attempting to regulate and censor it. In recent years, however, there has been

a surge of interest in this genre of writing, with an increasing number of writers

exploring themes of sexuality, desire, and intimacy. Despite this newfound interest,

intimate writers continue to face moral policing and censorship in various forms.

Governments often impose restrictions on the publication and distribution of

erotic literature, citing concerns over public morality and decency. This has led to the

banning of many classic works of literature, including D.H. Lawrence’s Lady

Chatterley’s Lover and James Joyce’s Ulysses.

On the other hand, writing that is intimate and personal can also be a source of

connection with readers, who may relate to the writer’s experiences or emotions. This

can lead to a deeper level of engagement with the work and a stronger recognition of

the writer’s talent.

Additionally, the literary genre in which the writing is published can also play

a role in the reception and recognition of intimate writing. For example, confessional

poetry and memoirs are genres in which intimacy is often embraced and well-received,

while in other genres, such as formal academic writing, intimacy may not be as accepted

or well-received.

Ultimately, the reception and recognition of intimate writing is subjective and

depends on a variety of factors, including the audience, the context, and the genre in

which it is published.

The project looked at a variety of intimate themes in literature, starting with a

review of the personal and emotional themes that are prevalent in such writings.

Literature has a long history of examining the emotional experiences and emotions of
 23

its characters, as revealed by the historical analysis of intimate writings. However,

there have also been arguments and conflicts surrounding intimate writings, with

some wondering whether it is proper to reveal one’s inner life to the public. Intimacy

was thoroughly explored in Annie Ernaux’s works, particularly Simple Passion,

Happening, and A Frozen Woman. The study also looked at how readers interpreted

and responded to Ernaux’s intimate works and how intimacy can interfere with

reader’s response.
 24

Chapter Three

Conclusion

The project started out with an aim to find out whether intimacy in the writings

of authors is a hindrance to reception and recognition of their works.

The major objective of this project was to comprehend the concept of intimacy

and how intimacy is portrayed in the works of Nobel Laureate Annie Ernaux. This

project delves into the concept of intimacy in literature and traces its historical

evolution. Additionally, it explores how intimacy manifests in the works of Annie

Ernaux, a distinguished Nobel laureate. By examining her three prominent works,

Simple passion, A Frozen woman and Happening, the study analyses the various

techniques employed by Ernaux to depict intimacy in her writing.

Throughout her works, Annie Ernaux has explored the theme of intimacy, both

in personal relationships and in broader societal contexts. Her writing is characterized

by a frank and direct approach to discussing personal experiences and relationships,

often revealing the complex and sometimes painful dynamics of intimacy. In works

such as A Man’s Place and The Years, Ernaux examines the role of family and gender

in shaping relationships, while in Simple Passion and Happening, she explores the

intensity and fleeting nature of romantic relationships. According to Ernaux's own

account, her husband was not happy about the publication of her first book Cleaned

Out. He felt that she had exposed too much of their personal lives and that the book

would cause embarrassment to their families. Ernaux, however, was determined to

publish the book, as she saw it as a way to break free from the constraints of her social
 25

and cultural background. Her works continue to inspire and challenge readers to rethink

their own understanding of intimacy and the dynamics of personal relationships.

Through this project we have come to the conclusion that the portrayal of

personal experiences and emotions in literature can be quite complicated for writers.

While intimate writing can create a powerful connection between the reader and the

author, it can also be a barrier to recognition and reception due to factors such as societal

biases, reader expectations, and cultural norms.

There has been a growing awareness in recent years about the importance of

respecting and valuing intimate writings. However, there is still a need for more

widespread change in how we respond to these types of writings. Traditionally, intimate

writings have been dismissed or ignored, particularly if they were written by

marginalized or underrepresented groups. In many cases, they have been seen as

frivolous, overly emotional, or unimportant, and have been excluded from the canon of

“serious” literature. We need to acknowledge that these writings can provide important

insights into the human experience, particularly for those whose voices have been

historically silenced or marginalized. We need to view these writings as a form of art

and expression, just like any other type of literature. In conclusion, changing the

response to intimate writings is a crucial step towards fostering empathy,

understanding, and inclusivity in our society. By valuing these writings and respecting

the privacy of their authors, we can create a more diverse, compassionate, and equitable

world.

The first chapter of the project deals with the concept of intimacy and it’s

evolution in literature. The next part deals with the intimacy in the writings of Annie

Ernaux. In it the concept of LÉcriture plate and Écriture feminine are discussed. In the
 26

third part, project analyses the criticism raised against the writers for their honest and

intimate writings. The final part deals with the readers response to the intimate writings

of Annie Ernaux. It is hence evident that the hypothesis of the project is proved.

In conclusion, Annie Ernaux’s repertoire is a remarkable example of how

literature can effectively depict the art of intimacy and the complexities of human

relationships through a raw and honest portrayal of personal experiences. Ernaux’s use

of personal anecdotes, reflections, and memories to construct a larger narrative has been

seen as both a strength and a weakness of her work. On the one hand, Ernaux’s intimate

writing has allowed readers to connect with her on a deep and emotional level, creating

a powerful sense of empathy and understanding. On the other hand, the intensity of her

writing has also led to controversy and criticism, with some accusing her of being self-

indulgent or oversharing. However, the project suggests that Ernaux’s success lies in

her ability to navigate the complexities of intimacy with skill and sensitivity. By

weaving together personal experience with broader social and cultural themes, Ernaux

has created a body of work that is both intimate and universal, resonating with readers

around the world. As such, her work serves as a powerful example of the art of intimacy

in literature, demonstrating the power of personal connection to create impactful and

meaningful writing.
 27

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Berens, Jessica. “Interview: Catherine Millet.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 19

May 2002, www.theguardian.com/books/2002/may/19/biography.features.

Boecker, Brianna. “Writing about Love, Sex, Abortion and Class, French Author Annie Ernaux

Is Awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature.” Women’s Agenda, 9 Oct. 2022,

womensagenda.com.au/latest/writing-about-love-sex-abortion-and-class-french-

author-annieernaux-is-awarded-the-2022-nobel-prize-in-literature/.

Brown, Jeffrey, et al. “Author and Nobel Prize Laureate Annie Ernaux Discusses Her Genre-

Bending Work.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 9 Dec. 2022,

www.pbs.org/newshour/show/author-andnobel-prize-laureate-annie-ernaux-discusses-her-

genre-bending-work.

Chrisafis, Angelique. “Abortion, Sex and Family Secrets: Annie Ernaux, France’s Great Truth

Teller.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 10 Aug. 2019,

www.theguardian.com/books/2019/aug/10/abortion-sex-and-family-secrets-annie-ernaux-

frances-great-truth-teller.

Ernaux, Annie. A Frozen Woman. Translated by Linda Coverdale, Seven Stories Press, 1996.

---,A Man’s Place. Translated by Tanya Leslie, Fitzcarraldo Editions, 2022.

---, Happening. Translated by Tanya Leslie, Fitzcarraldo Editions, 2022.

 28

---,Simple Passion. Translated by Tanya Leslie, Fitzcarraldo Editions, 2022.

Ernaux, Annie. “Annie Ernaux’s Nobel Speech: ‘I Will Write to Avenge My People’.” Le

Monde.fr, Le Monde, 8 Dec. 2022,

www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2022/12/08/annie-ernaux-s-nobelspeech-i-will-write-

to-avenge-my-people_6006984_23.html.

Johnson, Warren. The Dialogic Self: Language and Identity in Annie Ernaux.

Motte,Warren. “Ernaux’s Understatement” American Association of Teachers of French.

Oman Observer. “Annie Ernaux’s Work Dissects the Deeply Personal.” Oman Observer,

Oman Observer, 7 Oct. 2022,

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deeply-personal.

O’Rourke, Meghan. “Perspective | Annie Ernaux Writes about Deep Pain with Cool

Restraint.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 10 Oct. 2022,

www.washingtonpost.com/books/2022/10/07/annieernaux-appreciation/.

Sardin, Pascale. “Writing without Shame” the Issue of Female Sexuality in the Anglo ...

core.ac.uk/download/pdf/61402944.pdf.

“The Nobel Prize in Literature 2022.” NobelPrize.org,

www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2022/ernaux/lecture/.

Zornosa, Laura. “The History of Censorship behind ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’.” Time, Time, 2

Dec. 2022, time.com/6238284/lady-chatterleys-lover-history-censorship/.

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APPENDIX

Fig1: The Nobel Prize for Literature of 2022 was awarded to Annie Ernaux for “the

courage and clinical acuity of her work”.

Fig 2: Annie Ernaux’s work titled- Simple Passion.