Donc in French Literature: Famous Quotes and Their Meanings
The word "donc" plays a significant role in French literature, often serving as a key element in famous quotes and memorable passages.
By examining how renowned authors use this versatile conjunction, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its nuances and impact on literary style.
Let's look at some notable examples and analyze how "donc" contributes to their meaning and effect.
Victor Hugo's Powerful Use of "Donc"
Victor Hugo, one of France's most celebrated authors, frequently employed "donc" in his works to create emphasis and draw conclusions.
Example from Les Misérables
"Il faut que je marche sans cesse. J'ai marché toute la nuit. Je suis très fatigué, donc j'ai très faim."
This quote translates to: "I must walk constantly. I walked all night. I am very tired, therefore I am very hungry."
Here, Hugo uses "donc" to establish a logical connection between fatigue and hunger, emphasizing the character's physical state.
Albert Camus and Existential "Donc"
Albert Camus often used "donc" in his philosophical writings to draw existential conclusions.
Example from L'Étranger (The Stranger)
"Aujourd'hui, maman est morte. Ou peut-être hier, je ne sais pas. J'ai reçu un télégramme de l'asile : « Mère décédée. Enterrement demain. Sentiments distingués. » Cela ne veut rien dire. C'était peut-être hier."
While "donc" isn't directly used in this famous opening, it's implied in the narrator's logical (yet detached) reasoning about his mother's death. The absence of "donc" here is notable, reflecting the character's emotional disconnection.
Molière's Comedic "Donc"
In his comedies, Molière often used "donc" for humorous effect, highlighting characters' flawed logic.
Example from Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme
"Par ma foi ! Il y a plus de quarante ans que je dis de la prose sans que j'en susse rien, et je vous suis le plus obligé du monde de m'avoir appris cela."
While "donc" isn't explicitly used, the character's realization implies a "therefore" moment, adding to the comedic effect of his newfound knowledge about speaking prose.
Simone de Beauvoir's Feminist "Donc"
Simone de Beauvoir used "donc" to draw powerful conclusions in her feminist writings.
Example from Le Deuxième Sexe (The Second Sex)
"On ne naît pas femme : on le devient."
This famous quote, which translates to "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman," implies a "donc" in its structure, suggesting a conclusion drawn from societal observations.
Marcel Proust's Introspective "Donc"
In his lengthy novel "À la recherche du temps perdu," Proust often used "donc" to connect complex thoughts and memories.
Example from Du côté de chez Swann
"Longtemps, je me suis couché de bonne heure. Parfois, à peine ma bougie éteinte, mes yeux se fermaient si vite que je n'avais pas le temps de me dire : « Je m'endors. »"
While "donc" isn't explicitly used, the passage implies a therefore-like connection between the narrator's early bedtime and quick descent into sleep.
Voltaire's Satirical "Donc"
Voltaire often used "donc" in his satirical works to highlight absurd logic.
Example from Candide
"Tous les événements sont enchaînés dans le meilleur des mondes possibles ; car enfin si vous n'aviez pas été chassé d'un beau château à grands coups de pied dans le derrière pour l'amour de mademoiselle Cunégonde, si vous n'aviez pas été mis à l'Inquisition, si vous n'aviez pas couru l'Amérique à pied, si vous n'aviez pas donné un bon coup d'épée au baron, si vous n'aviez pas perdu tous vos moutons du bon pays d'Eldorado, vous ne mangeriez pas ici des cédrats confits et des pistaches."
This long sentence, filled with a series of "if" clauses, implies a grand "donc" at its conclusion, satirizing the philosophy of optimism.
Conclusion
The use of "donc" in French literature goes far beyond simple logical connections. It serves as a tool for emphasis, humor, philosophical reasoning, and character development.
By studying how great authors employ this conjunction, we can enhance our understanding of French language and literature, while also improving our own use of "donc" in writing and speech.