Irony, interculturality and metanarrativity : rewriting of « Barbe Bleue » by A. Nothomb

Abstract

This article deals with the subjects of: irony, interculturality and metanarrativity in "Barbe Bleue--Blue Beard". This tale by Charles Perrault rewritten in the form of a fiction novel with the pen of Amélie Nothomb has reversed roles and overturned conceptions by weaving a contemporary drama in the form of a novel dressed in black humor, irony and sarcasm. By studying the peculiarities of this modernization of the tale in its two versions, we try to interpret the conceptions of humor and irony on the one hand, and interculturality on the other. One observation is made: Amélie Nothomb reconstructs Perrault's tale in a metanarrative fashion, while giving it a modern dimension with a sentimental and ironic trait. Because, for her, this tale is revisited differently, and must be read in another way. Indeed, an astonishing play of contradictions and strangeness feeds the intrigue of this Bluebeard, which is delicious by its dishes, beautiful by these paintings of art and charming by the sensualities and the intelligence of the protagonists, but also frightening by its essence.