“[Human beings] are responsible for creating their lives according to their own values...” Here summarised by Ursula Tidd, this idea suggests that we as humans are responsible for our own happiness by ‘creating [our] lives’ – in other words, through our choices. If we accept this to be true, as one is likely to when examining Simone de Beauvoir’s novel "Les Belles Images" (Barcelone : Gallimard, 1966), then it would seem that Laurence’s unhappiness is indeed due to her passivity. However, is it correct to imply that if one wants to be happy, one can be, simply by choosing it?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: Initial Observations on Laurence's Unhappiness
- Chapter 2: Laurence's Awareness of Happiness and Materialism
- Chapter 3: Influence of Family and Relationships
- Chapter 4: Relationships and the Pursuit of Happiness
- Chapter 5: Shifting Narrative Voice and Laurence's True Feelings
- Chapter 6: Epiphany in Greece and Acceptance of her Situation
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay analyzes the assertion that Laurence's unhappiness stems from her failure to actively choose happiness in Simone de Beauvoir's Les Belles Images. It explores the extent to which Laurence's passivity contributes to her discontent, examining her choices and their consequences.
- The role of choice in achieving happiness
- The influence of societal expectations and familial relationships on Laurence's life
- Laurence's understanding and pursuit of happiness through material possessions and relationships
- The complexities of Laurence's relationships and their impact on her emotional state
- The significance of narrative voice in revealing Laurence's true feelings
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the analysis, introducing the central question of whether Laurence's unhappiness is a result of her own choices. It establishes the framework for the essay by outlining the core argument and providing a brief overview of the approach taken. The essay will examine various aspects of Laurence's life and relationships to explore the extent to which her unhappiness is a consequence of her choices or external factors. The central idea is to unpack the complexities of happiness and its attainment within the novel.
Chapter 1: Initial Observations on Laurence's Unhappiness: This chapter begins by introducing the idea that humans are responsible for their happiness through their choices. It then introduces Laurence and explores her initial perception of happiness as partially reliant on luck. The chapter contrasts Laurence's apparent lack of enthusiasm with the contentment of her relatives, raising the question of whether her unhappiness is a matter of choice or inability. It introduces the concept of transcendence and the possibility that Laurence could choose happiness by accepting her freedom and rejecting the passivity that defines her current state.
Chapter 2: Laurence's Awareness of Happiness and Materialism: This chapter delves into Laurence's professional life as someone who manipulates the desire for happiness to sell products. It examines her understanding of the superficial nature of happiness as depicted in advertisements, contrasting this with her own dissatisfaction. The chapter highlights Laurence's awareness of false promises of happiness, suggesting a potential step toward a more genuine understanding of contentment. However, it also reveals her uncertainty about how to find true happiness.
Chapter 3: Influence of Family and Relationships: This chapter explores the formative influence of Laurence's upbringing, particularly her mother's molding of her into a "pretty picture." It examines how this early experience of passivity may have shaped her later choices and contributed to her current unhappiness. The chapter also analyzes the impact of her marriage to Jean-Charles, highlighting how it represents a shift from one dependent relationship to another and how this prevents her from choosing her own happiness.
Chapter 4: Relationships and the Pursuit of Happiness: This chapter examines Laurence's relationships with Jean-Charles and Lucien, illustrating how these connections have both provided moments of satisfaction and ultimately failed to bring lasting happiness. It analyzes Jean-Charles' materialistic pursuits and their effect on Laurence's emotional state, showing how their differing perspectives on happiness contribute to their conflicts. The chapter introduces the concept of pleasure versus genuine fulfillment in relationships, illustrating how temporary forms of satisfaction might not equate to lasting happiness.
Chapter 5: Shifting Narrative Voice and Laurence's True Feelings: This chapter focuses on the shifting narrative voice between first and third person in the novel. It explores the significance of the first-person perspective in revealing Laurence's genuine emotions and desires, contrasting it with the third-person narrative that reflects her social persona. The analysis highlights how the shifts in narrative voice allow the reader to understand Laurence's true feelings, particularly her longing for genuine connection and passion, in contrast to the superficial happiness that she portrays in public.
Chapter 6: Epiphany in Greece and Acceptance of her Situation: This chapter describes Laurence's experience in Greece, where she witnesses the uninhibited joy of a young Greek girl. This observation leads to an epiphany and a subsequent depressive state. The chapter examines Laurence's decision to prioritize her daughters' happiness, seemingly foregoing her own pursuit of fulfillment. The analysis explores the complexities of this choice, highlighting its potential for both nobility and self-sacrifice. The ambiguity of the ending highlights the nuanced nature of Laurence's journey and the impossibility of a simple resolution.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Happiness, choice, freedom, passivity, societal expectations, family relationships, materialism, Les Belles Images, Simone de Beauvoir, narrative voice, self-sacrifice.
Simone de Beauvoir's Les Belles Images: Frequently Asked Questions
What is this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an essay analyzing Simone de Beauvoir's Les Belles Images. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The essay focuses on the question of whether the protagonist, Laurence, is unhappy due to her own choices or external factors.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
The essay explores several interconnected themes, including the role of choice in achieving happiness, the influence of societal expectations and family relationships, Laurence's understanding of happiness through material possessions and relationships, the complexities of her relationships, and the significance of the narrative voice in revealing her true feelings.
What is the central argument of the essay?
The central argument examines whether Laurence's unhappiness stems from her failure to actively choose happiness. It explores the extent to which her passivity contributes to her discontent, analyzing her choices and their consequences throughout the novel.
What are the main chapters and their summaries?
The essay is divided into chapters: The introduction sets the stage; Chapter 1 introduces Laurence and explores initial perceptions of happiness; Chapter 2 delves into Laurence's awareness of happiness and materialism; Chapter 3 explores the influence of family and relationships; Chapter 4 examines relationships and the pursuit of happiness; Chapter 5 focuses on the shifting narrative voice and Laurence's true feelings; and Chapter 6 describes Laurence's epiphany in Greece and her acceptance of her situation. Each chapter summary provides a detailed overview of its content and contribution to the overall analysis.
What is the significance of the narrative voice in the essay?
The shifting narrative voice (first and third person) is a key element of the analysis. The essay explores how the shifts reveal Laurence's genuine emotions and desires, contrasting them with her social persona. This allows for a deeper understanding of her inner conflicts and complexities.
What role does the setting of Greece play in the narrative?
Laurence's experience in Greece is pivotal. Witnessing the uninhibited joy of a young girl leads to an epiphany, followed by a depressive state. This event is crucial in understanding Laurence's ultimate decision and the complexities of her choices.
What are the key conclusions of the essay?
The essay concludes by highlighting the complexities of Laurence's journey and the nuanced nature of her choices. The ambiguity of the ending emphasizes the lack of a simple resolution to the question of happiness and its attainment.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include: Happiness, choice, freedom, passivity, societal expectations, family relationships, materialism, Les Belles Images, Simone de Beauvoir, narrative voice, and self-sacrifice.
What is the overall objective of this document?
The objective is to provide a concise and structured overview of the essay's content, facilitating a deeper understanding of its themes, arguments, and conclusions. It serves as a preview for readers interested in learning more about the analysis of happiness and choice in Simone de Beauvoir's Les Belles Images.
- Quote paper
- Laura Smith (Author), 2011, "Laurence is not happy, because she does not choose to be happy." The character of Laurence in Simone de Beauvoir's "Les Belles Images", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/295719