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GIGI (From p.1)
and her great Aunt Alicia to follow in their footsteps. Colette's choice in naming the aged courtesans of her story as "Madame Alverez" and "Alicia" has its roots in her familiarity with the demimonde of the Belle Epoque. Three of the four great courtesans of the time were Otero, Cavalieri and Cleo de Merode, all foreigners, respectively Spanish, Italian and Belgian. The character of Great Aunt Alicia, who possesses a treasure trove of precious jewels and resides in a tastefully decorated town house, may be an indirect reconstruction of the most famous courtesan of the era, Liane de Poughy. The splendor of Madame de Poughy's Parisian home, luxurious lifestyle and fabulous pearl and diamond collection were legendary. Gilberte's education in this setting, ironically, is as demanding as any curriculum offered by a reputable finishing school. How to dress, how to pour tea, how to recognize valuable jewels are all considered "les haitules honorables les femmes sans honneur" (the honorable habits of women without honor).
One of the most entertaining scenes, is when Gilberte reaches the home of her great aunt, who immediately inquires about her dress, her taste in dress. When displeased with the answer, she becomes suita
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bly "annoyed".
[Gilberte has just arrived to partake in a private luncheon with her great Aunt] "You have one of your headaches, Aunt Alicia?"
"I'm not sure yet,' replied Aunt Alicia; "it depends on the luncheon. Come quickly; the eggs are ready! Take off your coat! What on earth is that dress?"
[Later during the meal, on the topic of dress.] "Can it be that you have taste? When you think of looking your best, how do you see yourself dressed?"
"Oh, but I know just what would suit me, Aunt! I've seen--"
"Explain yourself without gestures. The moment you gesticulate you look common."
[Gigi describes a gaudy dress with clashing colors]
"Enough! Enough! I see your fancy is to be dressed like a leading comedienne at the Theatre Francais--and don't take that as a compliment! Come and pour out
the coffee. And without jerking up the lip of the coffee-pot to prevent the drop from falling. I'd rather have foot-bath in my saucer than see you juggling like a waiter ina café." (Gigi p. 32)
This approach toward etiquette provides the basis for a structure of opposites. At every level, the reader encounters the unexpected: dignity in dishonor, strict morality within immorality, etc. The construction of these opposites is expressed most fully through the genuine surprise of the young heroine when Gaston, a wealthy associate of Gigi's grandmother approaches her to become her "first" lover in her new career as a courtesan. When she refuses, he recapitulates and then offers marriage. This novella of Colette's with its "love conquers all"
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