Marguerite Duras - Moderato Cantabile
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- Опубликовано: 22 июл 2024
- This is the first instalment of a series of videos I'll be making on the novels of Marguerite Duras.
I've already reviewed her excellent novel, The Lover: • Reviews 17: The Lover ...
Links
English: archive.org/details/moderatoc...
French: archive.org/details/moderatoc...
Notes:
There is a 1960 movie adaptation of Moderato Cantabile, directed by Peter Brook, and titled Seven Days... Seven Nights. The image I used while speaking about the piano lessons is taken from this film, but, sadly, as I couldn't find the movie freely available anywhere online, I decided not to refer to it.
There is an excellent chapter on the 'chronotope of alcohol' in Duras's work in a great book, Literature and Intoxication: link.springer.com/book/10.100...
Thanks for watching, hope you enjoyed this presentation. Please like, subscribe, and comment; every interaction means so much and helps keep my spirits up as I pour time and energy into producing these videos. Nanu nanu.
I've read Moderato Cantabile yesterday as it is a short novel. It's always fascinating to read Marguerite Duras as her style is unique, and requires efforts and commitment from the readers. I can't say I enjoyed this novel as much as The Lover or The Sea Wall, but there's definitely something special in the writing that fascinates. One aspect of the story I find excellent is the violence that pervades each page, the tension between the characters, the wind blowing and the sound of the waves, and how each character is completely lonely, isolated, no matter if they talk to each other or remain silent. There are limits to the language, even body language, that the characters can't exceed. Marguerite Duras knows superbly how to convey this impossibility to communicate. Thank you again for reviewing this book and starting a series of videos dedicated to this author.
Sorry you didn't enjoy it as much. The next book will be La Douleur, which I purchased today in a Folio edition, and already have in an English translation.
@@TheChannelofaDisappointedMan It's OK. I enjoyed reading it nonetheless. It's a different form of narrative that can't be compared to the two novels I read before. I have no idea what La Douleur is about. Marguerite Duras has written so many books, I've never heard of this one. It's nice that you've found a Folio edition.
How are you doing mr Jason . We appreciate your great efforts as foreigners subscribers as overseas students want to increase our cultural level and improve our English and literature lovers too . I gathered main theme of novel and author biography briefly here it’s marguerite duras ( 1914- 1996) she was French novelist, playwright, screenwriter, essayist, film maker and experimental film maker . Her script of film Hiroshima mon amour ( 1959 ) earned her nomination for best original screen play at academy awards.
Thank you. I am fine, glad to hear from you again. And yes, you grasped the content of the video perfectly!
Excellent video …thanks
Thanks, one of the ones I'm most happy with. Great book.
Moderato cantabile means moderate and singing) . Plot summary about woman Anna desbaresdes , who while attending piano lesson of her somewhat with her son , hears terrible scream from nearby cafe . On going to cafe shortly afterward. She sees young man clinging to body of lover he has killed. This novel selling half million copies and was initial source of duras fame . This is novella organized into 8 chapters. Critics response was sharply divided but generally very positive. The novel was first winner of short lived prix demai .this work criticized as lacking plot as being essay than work of art . Film adaptation in 1960 by Peter brook . Won best actress at Cannes film festival for her performance. Thank you for giving us chance to read learn new information improve our English as well. Good luck to you your dearest ones .
Yes, moderate and singingly (not really an English word that quite matches the Italian); I used the definition of the term that Anne gives to her son at the end of the first chapter.
Your making a series of videos dedicated to Marguerite Duras is an excellent news! Thank you very much. Your review of The Lover was great, and this one of Moderato Cantabile too.
I have this novel on my shelves but haven't read it yet, but after watching your presentation it should be read before the end of the month hopefully.
It's funny because for many many years I wasn't attracted at all by Marguerite Duras' books. The reason is that when I was in middle school, our French teacher who certainly admired Duras, had us study and write about excerpts from Moderato Cantabile. I didn't like it as I thought it was too mature a text, and I was too immature to understand it at 13 years old. Luckily, decades after, you are here with a great review of this novel which I'm sure is a must read. The Lover is a masterpiece, and I read last month The Sea Wall, largely autobiographical and excellent novel. Very strong, intelligent and beautifully written. Will this book be part of your series? I hope so!
Again thank you very much for this video, and the series you're making! Looking forward to your next presentation.
Yes, this is not a book for 13-year-olds, though, as I said in the video, it's written in a very direct way, so maybe your teacher thought it was a good idea on that basis. As a teacher myself, I know we have a lot of ideas that look good on their face, but often fall flat when we put them into practice.
Regarding The Sea Wall, all of her novels will get reviewed in time, all being well, but I think it will be The Square next as I've just finished reading it. More experimental, so going to need more time to digest it before putting something together.
@@TheChannelofaDisappointedMan You raise an interesting point re teaching and teacher's thoughts about the material they wish to work on with their students. Apart from the reactions of their students on the moment, a precious thing that should not be overlooked is what teachers leave in the mind of their students. How many kids have struggled or simply given up on a book, an author, but their teachers managed to transmit something valuable, and years after this transmission proves useful.
Foolishly I had put Marguerite Duras in the 'avoid her books' category because of the bad memories I had. Still my teacher was good, encouraging and respectful of her students, leading us towards classical literature, and the joy of reading. I would have never imagined than so many years after, another teacher, on the other side of the planet, would give me the will and happiness to read Moderato Cantabile. And I'm sure there are many other people in this case. So merci beaucoup Professeur !
I hope I can get a copy of The Square soon.
I've finished The Square, and it was stranger and funnier than The Lover or Moderato Cantabile. There was a radio broadcast of it in the 1950s I hope is up online somewhere.
Sounds like a fascinating read. I wonder if I could find it in a second hand bookshop - probably unlikely I suppose. Anyway, thanks for another interesting video.
Yes, indeed, an excellent book. Re reading it, maybe there's someone you know who has a copy you can borrow. Slim chance, admittedly, but still...
what teacher Jason hates to hear about (it is not what you think) B2 spirit,B52 stratofortress,fighter eagleeeee, C130 (sorry if i were making you placing down TNT again)
Yes, teacher Jason doesn't care for weapons of war.