La Langue Secrète de Jean Cocteau: La Mythologie Personnelle Du Poete Et L'Histoire Cachee Des Enfants Terribles

Abstract

Myths, allegories, metaphors, allusions. The entire work of Jean Cocteau is full of images that recur and re-form like expressions from an obscure language. Cocteau uses this figurative language like an a kaleidoscope, rearranging the elements to achieve each time a new, but always recognisable, design, that contributes to the rich and complex portrait that is made up of his entire œuvre. If we know how to decode this secret language of poetry we find that from each text - be it film, poem, novel, fresco, dramatic work or essay - a new story emerges.The present work is more than the analysis of a single novel. By reinterpreting "Les Enfants terribles" in the light of the whole of Cocteau's work, the author reveals the story hidden within it and provides detailed analysis of the secret language. With its index of topics and mythology, this book helps one understand not only this particular, celebrated novel, but all of Cocteau's works.