This week’s reading I found riveting, I truly could not put it down. Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan highlights the dynamic relationship between father and daughter, in this case Cécile and her wealthy father Raymond. The setting takes place on the French Riviera on a summer trip with Cécile, her father and her fathers latest young mistress, Elsa. We can see how the more traditional/conservative character of Anne reintegrating into Raymond’s life really impacts the plot of the story and Cécile’s connection with her dad. 

I feel throughout the story that most of the story surrounds the issues Cécile has with Anne, leading her to plot her plan to break them apart. We see Anne making unnecessary comments to Cécile as though she is her own daughter; “To look decent you ought to put on six pounds.” (pg.22), she believes she has the right to say these things to Cécile. Although Anne clearly has issues of her own, I don’t think Raymond gets enough criticism throughout the book. Since it is in Cécile’s perspective, she clearly wants to salvage her relationship with her father and sees him in a positive light. She even describes him; “It was easy for me to love him, for he was kind, generous, gay and fond of me. I cannot imagine a better or more amusing companion.” (pg. 6). He is referred to as a ‘playboy’ throughout the book even though he is 40 years old (creepy that his own daughter talks about this lol). He is a cheater, womanizer and lets Anne around his daughter knowing she has the capabilities to physically (pg.39 slapping her) and verbally abuse her. This pays homage to the stereotype that a man can do no wrong and the woman must be crazy, even though at the end of the day he is not a great partner. Anne is not perfect, but neither is Raymond.

Cyril is a very interesting character, unfortunately he gets caught up in this scheme that Cécile created. He participated to prove and confirm the love he had for Cécile even though it made him very uncomfortable pretending to be in a relationship with Elsa. “Cyril began to torment himself. He hated this role I had forced upon him, and continued in it only because I made him believe it was necessary for our love.” (pg. 116). 

With this in mind, I pose this question to my classmates; Do you think Cécile had genuine intentions when planning this and involving Cyril? Would you force this upon your partner even if it made them uncomfortable? Is this taking it too far? Is this a selfish act upon Cécile’s conscience?