Colette
Colette
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Sidonie-Gabrielle Claudine Colette was commonly known as Colette, the pen name chosen by this French novelist, journalist, and actress.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on November 28, 1873, in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, France
Died on August 3, 1954, in Paris, France
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Colette was a French national, renowned for her work as a novelist, journalist, and actress. Her writing career spanned multiple genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and plays.
Early Life and Background
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Colette's early life was marked by an unconventional upbringing. She was born into a family of modest means and spent much of her childhood living with relatives in the countryside. As a teenager, she traveled to Paris to pursue a career as an actress, eventually working under the stage name Sido.
Major Accomplishments
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Colette's literary career took off in 1900 when she published her first novel, _Claudine en cinquième_. However, it was her subsequent works that catapulted her to fame. Her novels often explored themes of love, marriage, and women's rights, reflecting her own experiences as a wife, mistress, and entrepreneur.
One of Colette's most notable accomplishments was the creation of the Gigi character. This iconic heroine was introduced in 1944 with the publication of _Gigi_, which would later be adapted into an Academy Award-winning film by Vincente Minnelli.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Colette's most celebrated works include:
_Claudine en cinquième_ (1900)
_The Vagabond_ (1910)
_Chéri_ (1920)
_Gigi_ (1944)
Colette's writing often pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in early 20th-century France. Her work tackled topics like female desire, relationships, and personal freedom.
Impact and Legacy
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Colette's influence on modern literature cannot be overstated. Her exploration of feminine identity and desire paved the way for future generations of women writers. Her legacy extends beyond her writing; she was also an advocate for women's rights and a pioneering figure in the fight against ageism.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Colette's quotes are frequently cited due to their insight into human relationships, love, and the complexities of female experience. Her words continue to resonate with readers today, offering a unique perspective on life's challenges and triumphs.
Quotes by Colette
Colette's insights on:
It wasn’t only a little she-cat I bought. It was the nobility of all cats, their infinite disinterestedness, their knowledge of how to live, their affinities with the highest type of humans.
It is absurd to suppose that periods empty of love are blank pages in a woman’s life. The truth is just the reverse. What remains to be said about a passionate love affair? It can be told in three lines. He loved me, I loved Him. His presence obliterated all other presences. We were happy. Then He stopped loving me and I suffered.
To write sincerely, almost sincerely! I hope it may bring me relief, that sort of interior silence which follows a sudden utterance, a confession.
I put on a martyred expression – like this – as if I was bored to death with every luxury under the sun. I had the time of my life.
Does she deliberately make herself ugly out of modesty or pride?” Brice wondered, watching his wife walk pigeon-toed, run into the corner of the table, and rub her thigh. “It’s a kind of lie, too.
My son, be rich and live your own life! Tell yourself that you’re the incarnation of an ancient aristocracy. Model yourself on the feudal barons. You’re a warrior.
After you, probably anyone can have me who wants me. A woman, many women. But never another cat.