On Both Sides of the Tracks: Social Mobility in Contemporary French Literature

The study of social mobility in contemporary French literature provides a fresh perspective on characters who move between social classes, such as the parvenu, who shuttles between social groups and challenges fixed ideas of social affiliation. On Both Sides of the Tracks offers a critical look at the work of Annie Ernaux, Kaoutar Harchi, Michel Houellebecq, Édouard Louis, and Marie NDiaye, shedding light on upward mobility today as a formal, literary problem.

Format: Hardback
Length: 362 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Social mobility has been a prevalent theme in contemporary French literature, offering a unique perspective on individuals who navigate between social classes. In this analysis, we will explore the concept of "parvenus," a term derived from the French word "parvenu," which means "newly arrived." A parvenu is a character who constantly shifts between social groups, often becoming a part of a new social class but also finding ways to re-establish their connection to their original social identity.

Focusing on recent French novels and autobiographies, "On Both Sides of the Tracks" provides a powerful exploration of issues related to emancipation and class. Author Morgane Cadieu offers a fresh critical lens through which to examine the narratives of social mobility in the works of authors such as Annie Ernaux, Kaoutar Harchi, Michel Houellebecq, Édouard Louis, and Marie NDiaye, among others. Through her analysis, Cadieu sheds fascinating light on the contemporary phenomenon of upward mobility as a formal and literary problem.

One of the key themes explored in "On Both Sides of the Tracks" is the fluidity of social identities and the challenges that individuals face as they navigate through different social hierarchies. Cadieu argues that the parvenu is a character who constantly challenges the fixed notions of social affiliation and hierarchy. They may adopt the trappings of a new social class, but their literary endeavors often serve as a means to re-establish their connection to their roots and their original social identity.

This exploration of social mobility in contemporary French literature offers a valuable insight into the complexities of modern society. It challenges us to think beyond traditional notions of class and social hierarchy and to consider the ways in which individuals can transcend their circumstances and achieve upward mobility. The parvenu, as a character, serves as a powerful symbol of this transformation, representing the ability to adapt and evolve in the face of social change.

Furthermore, "On Both Sides of the Tracks" highlights the importance of literature in shaping our understanding of social mobility. Through their narratives, authors can offer a nuanced and complex portrayal of the experiences of individuals who navigate between social classes, shedding light on the challenges, struggles, and triumphs that accompany this process. Literature can provide a space for empathy and understanding, allowing us to connect with the experiences of others and to gain a deeper appreciation of the complexities of our social world.

In conclusion, "On Both Sides of the Tracks" is a thought-provoking and insightful analysis of social mobility in contemporary French literature. Through its exploration of the concept of the parvenu, the book offers a fresh critical lens through which to examine the narratives of social mobility in the works of French authors. It challenges us to think beyond traditional notions of class and social hierarchy and to consider the ways in which individuals can transcend their circumstances and achieve upward mobility. The book also highlights the importance of literature in shaping our understanding of social mobility, providing a space for empathy and understanding and allowing us to connect with the experiences of others.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 147 x 223 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226827124