La Réception critique de l'écriture engagée de Jean Genet: les exemples de «Violence et brutalité» et d'Un captif amoureux

Abstract

In this article, the critical reception of two of Jean Genet's most political texts is studied and discussed with regards to the theoretical opposition between poetical and political language. While Un captif amoureux had a fairly heterogeneous and confused reception, ‘Violence et brutalité’ was generally rejected and described as pro-terrorist propaganda. This difference is explained as a result of both textual and historical factors. Moreover, the critics’ inability to attach a genre to Un captif amoureux is discussed and explained as a result of the work's innovative style and structure, for example its particular way of assembling political and poetical patterns.