The Immoralist
|
The Immoralist book cover |
The Immoralist is a
novel by
André Gide, published in
France in
1902 as
L'immoraliste.
Michel's latent
homosexuality is one theme throughout this complex novel of self-discovery. A number of incidents betray his secret
paedophile yearnings. From his first encounter with the
Arab boy, Bachir, in
Tunisia his infatuation with the beauty of Moktir, to his almost-recognised obsession with Ali at the end, Michel's reactions can be explained by his love for young boys.
He feels that his wife Marceline is in the way when he is with his boys, yet she helps procure them for him. His violent hostility toward religion is not only a rejection of his moral upbringing, but also an unconscious expression of hostility toward Marceline. Both stand in the way of his hidden longings. Michel prefers the
immoral Alcide to the responsible Charles for the same reason. The Arab boys, the coachman in Taorsina whom he kisses, the beggars whose company he seeks out in Naples and Syracuse recognise his longings better than he does.
*
Pedophilia*
Pedophilia and child sexual abuse in fiction*
Child sexual abuse
