Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2001. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 253-256). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

The subject of this thesis is the female characters' way of seeing in the works of Colette. Colette helps liberate women from an oppressive concept of femininity, this being the ultimate goal of the postmodern feminists (Helene Cixous and Luce Irigaray). In Colette's works we find several characteristics that show her resistance to the dominant ideology, the most important being an emphasis placed elsewhere than upon things considered important in patriarchal culture. / Renee Nere of La Vagabonde, novelist and music-hall mime, is examined in the second chapter. For Renee, liberty is more important than the security of the established identity which marriage offers. The pain associated with her choice to remain alone underscores the oppression that she must bear. / "Colette" in La Naissance du jour is studied in Chapter Three. There we discuss the importance of "Sido" in the construction of "Colette's" life model, a construction that never ends. The differences between mother (poet) and daughter (novelist) are studied along with their similarities. Again, reflection and writing are found to be more noble than love.

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Colette's desire, to reveal the different levels of difficulties in relationships, results in the creation of three masterpieces, L e Ble en Herbe, La Chatte, and La Vagabonde. Through her characters in these novels, the author exposes the spatial boundaries set by each couple. Also, she concentrates on the maturation of the protagonists. The woman's function in society transforms as she gains personal power, and she becomes self-reliant. Finally, Colette evades sexual stereotyping by introducing the reader to the issues of gender and androgyny. She helps to dispel the sexual myths around the. idea of normal stereotyping. Themes such as male and female physical characteristics and related "socially acceptable" behaviors are addressed. In general, these works clarify ideas about the way in which individuals associate with one other. Chapter I will analyze the spatial limitations created by the protagonists. It will examine two binary oppositions, "in/out" and "dream-world/reality". The "in/out" opposition will focus on both physical and mental spaces, whereas the "dream-world/reality" opposition will magnify tangible and unreal spaces. This chapter's objective is to demonstrate the uses of territorial boundaries and deduce their affects in relationships. Chapter II will investigate the association between Colette's characters and the liberation of womankind. The aim is to examine the female characters' growth in regard to the society around her. As well, obtaining personal power and the concept of empowerment is treated ~y studying the use of the female voice. This chapter will show a recurring theme of women overcoming the forces of patriarchy and moving beyond the confines of societal rules. Chapter III will study the issue of gender and androgyny in Colette's characters. It will bring to light Colette's use of gender roles, and the way in which her protagonists search out an identity and learn about themselves. Finally, this chapter will cover gender stereotypes and Colette's contemporary view of such an issue. In summary, the novels to be treated, Le Ble en Herbe, La Chatte, and La Vagabonde, will move through three different levels of development in the growth of the characters, from adolescence through young adulthood and into maturity. This notion will be utilized in each chapter and will demonstrate Colette's theme of relationships which spirals out of three connected ideas, space, consciousness and gender.

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This thesis tackles the theme of jealousy considered as a genuine Art de vivre in four of Colette's novels: Le Ble en herbe, La Chatte, Duo, and La Seconde. / The first part of the thesis deals with the years of learning when protagonists gradually discover love's hardships. It's through their pangs and suffering that each one of them will become aware of his or her place in society. / In the second part devoted to young couples will appear the progressive awareness, painful though necessary, that the partner is hopelessly a stranger. / The last part studies the differences in behavioral patterns of men and women in the life of the couple. With Colette the man regresses and sinks where the woman draws strength from revolt and learns solidarity in womanhood and how to go beyond herself. In Colette's feminine universe jealousy is then a positive element encompassing self awareness and mastery over oneself enabling thus through careful and appropriate use a renewal of the feeling of love.