Corps et érotisme dans l'oeuvre de Nelly Kaplan
This master’s thesis concentrates on the human body ; how it is perceived in the context of social, historical and political norms that shape it. The thesis focuses on the approach of Nelly Kaplan who introduces lifestyles where sexual and moral freedom reigns, to the delight of the protagonists featured in her work. This is accomplished through analysis of three significant works by Kaplan : a collection of short stories called Le Réservoir des sens ; the cult-movie La Fiancée du pirate ; and the narrative Un manteau de fou rire.  Kaplan attacks preconceived and historical prejudices about the male and female body through humour and irony, which leads to Kaplan questioning an outdated paradigm that is the binarity of sexual identities. Her creations are marked by the desire for liberation, which is expressed through an (erotic) revolt carried out by her characters. This act leads them to emancipate themselves from the petite bourgeoisie catholic ideal. Kaplan thus engages in the deconstruction of moral and political rules and proposes a new organization of the world based on respect for individual impulses and desires.
Nelly Kaplan gender studies surrealism french litterature body eroticism urges sexuality feminism