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Description
In The Immoralist , André Gide presents the confessional account of a man seeking the truth of his own nature. The story's protagonist, Michel, knows nothing about love when he marries the gentle Marceline out of duty to his father. On the couple's honeymoon to Tunisia, Michel becomes very... read more
Memorable Quotes
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“Envying another man's happiness is madness; you wouldn't know what to do with it if you had it.”
First Sentence
My dear friends, I knew I could rely on your loyalty.
Table of Contents
Glossary
- Colocynth: A bitter fruit that grows on a vine, native to the Mediterranean Basin (where much of The Immoralist takes place) and Asia. The fruit is so bitter, it is used to make a purgative. Perhaps notably, the plant is also referred to as the "vine of Sodom". This could refer to Gide's condemnation of homophobia, and his or Michel's homosexuality, although this connection may be tenuous at best. "I present this book for what it is worth. It is a fruit filled with bitter ash, like those colocynths which sprout in the most arid deserts: rather than quench your thirst, they scorch your mouth even more, yet against their backdrop of golden sand they are not without a certain beauty" (Gide 7).
Authors & Contributors
- Andre Gide (Author)
- Richard Howard
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