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Enchanted Stories from the French Decadent Tradition: Oddly Modern Fairy Tales

Jett Powell

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Published in Fairy Tales For The Disillusioned: Enchanted Stories From The French Decadent Tradition (Oddly Modern Fairy Tales 11)

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In the decadent twilight of the 19th century, amidst the glittering lights of Paris, there emerged a literary movement known as Decadence. Amidst the prevalent pessimism and disillusionment, a captivating genre of fairy tales sprang forth - tales that defied conventions and pushed the boundaries of imagination. These tales, known as French Decadent fairy tales, were anything but the traditional innocent fables of our childhood: they were dark, unsettling, and strikingly modern in their themes and motifs.

Fairy Tales for the Disillusioned: Enchanted Stories from the French Decadent Tradition (Oddly Modern Fairy Tales 11)

Fairy Tales for the Disillusioned: Enchanted Stories from the French Decadent Tradition (Oddly Modern Fairy Tales Book 11)

by Gretchen Schultz

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2186 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

Symbolism and the Veil of Reality

One of the hallmarks of French Decadent fairy tales is their intricate use of symbolism. Every detail, from the enigmatic characters to the fantastical settings, carries a hidden meaning, inviting readers to unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the surface. In these tales, the veil of reality becomes thin, and the ordinary world intertwines with the extraordinary.

Take, for instance, the story "La Morte Amoureuse" by Théophile Gautier. The protagonist, Romuald, falls in love with a vampire, a creature embodying both death and desire. As their relationship unfolds, the boundaries between life and death, love and pain, become blurred, mirroring the decadent preoccupation with the fragility of human existence.

Aestheticism and the Cult of Beauty

French Decadent fairy tales also embody the aestheticism that permeated all aspects of the Decadent movement. These tales were crafted with meticulous attention to language and imagery, evoking a heightened sense of beauty and sensory experience. In the world of these tales, even the most disturbing and grotesque elements are imbued with a perverse beauty.

Joris-Karl Huysmans' "À Rebours" is a testament to this decadent aestheticism. The protagonist, Des Esseintes, retreats into an artificial and highly stylized world, seeking solace in the pursuit of exquisite sensations. His obsession with beauty, however, ultimately leads to a profound sense of isolation and disillusionment.

Modern Themes and Psychological Insights

While rooted in the traditions of the past, French Decadent fairy tales also reveal surprisingly modern themes and psychological insights. They delve into the depths of human desire, exploring the complexities of love, pain, and the struggle for meaning. Beneath their fantastic facades, these tales resonate with our deepest fears and aspirations.

In "Le Portrait de Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, the titular character epitomizes the decadent ideal of eternal youth and beauty. However, as he indulges in a life of pleasure and excess, his portrait bears the burden of his sins, revealing the true nature of his soul. Through Dorian's journey, Wilde exposes the corrosive effects of hedonism and the inescapable consequences of one's actions.

French Decadent fairy tales are a mesmerizing blend of darkness, beauty, and psychological depth. They offer a glimpse into a world where the boundaries of reality are fluid, and the ordinary gives way to the extraordinary. These tales continue to captivate readers today, inviting us to question our beliefs, explore the hidden recesses of our minds, and embrace the uncanny beauty that lies within the shadows.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the wisdom and enchantment of these stories remain relevant and profound. In the words of J.K. Huysmans, "The Decadents are the last flowers of a civilization that is ending, but they are also the seeds of a new civilization that is beginning."

Fairy Tales for the Disillusioned: Enchanted Stories from the French Decadent Tradition (Oddly Modern Fairy Tales Book 11)

by Gretchen Schultz

4.3 out of 5