Roland Barthes – Mythologies - soundenvironments

not the alibi which a sizeable part of the nation uses in order, oncemore, to substitute with impunity the signs of charity for the realityof justice.* In Victor Hugo's Notre-Dame de Paris.Novels and ChildrenIf we are to believe the weekly Elle, which some time agomustered seventy women novelists on one photograph, the womanof letters is a remarkable zoological species: she brings forth, pellmell,novels and children. We are introduced, for example, toJacqueline Lenoir (two daughters, one novel); Marina Grey (oneson, one novel); Nicole Dutreil (two sons, four novels), etc.What does it mean? This: to write is a glorious but bold activity;the writer is an 'artist', one recognizes that he is entitled to a littlebohemianism. As he is in general entrusted - at least in the Franceof Elle - with giving society reasons for its clear conscience, hemust, after all, be paid for his services: one tacitly grants him theright to some individuality. But make no mistake: let no womenbelieve that they can take advantage of this pact without havingfirst submitted to the eternal statute of womanhood. Women are onthe earth to give children to men; let them write as much as theylike, let them decorate their condition, but above all, let them notdepart from it: let their Biblical fate not be disturbed by thepromotion which is conceded to them, and let them payimmediately, by the tribute of their motherhood, for thisbohemianism which has a natural link with a writer's life.Women, be therefore courageous, free; play at being men, writelike them; but never get far from them; live under their gaze,compensate for your books by your children; enjoy a free rein for awhile, but quickly come back to your condition. One novel, onechild, a little feminism, a little connubiality. Let us tie theadventure of art to the strong pillars of the home: both will profit agreat deal from this combination: where myths are concerned,mutual help is always fruitful.49For instance, the Muse will give its sublimity to the humble tasksof the home; and in exchange, to thank her for this favour, the50