Decadent Feminism: Mentorship in Jane de La Vaudère's Les Demi-sexes (1897)

Abstract

Abstract:Les Demi-sexes tells the story of Camille de Luzac, who has her ovaries removed in order to be free from the fear of pregnancy, thereby becoming part of an exclusive group of women recruited by a formidable mentor, Nina, who believes that women should be able to opt out of motherhood and explore their sexuality to the fullest. The novel mirrors Camille's process of self-discovery, with part I devoted to Nina's principles, part II to Camille's implementation of them, and part III to the consequences of her decision to reject them. What may seem to be defeat for Camille in the conclusion is instead decisive proof of her agency. My analysis of the mentoring relationship argues for adding Decadent Feminism to an already extensive taxonomy of feminisms.