LA CYTHÈRE DE NERVAL, UN CARREFOUR D´ÎLES

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to approach the Citherean myth in Sylvie (1853) of Gérard de Nerval. Conceived as a space for happiness and love, locus amoenus of classic tradition, it is, at the same time, a place to return and to run away, also a quest for the different levels of time past. Besides, we glimpse a junction of other islands that finally provides a better understanding of Nerval’s island deepest sense: it’s the Citherea of Watteau, its sweet pilgrimage through the lake waters and its mask plays; as well, it’s Crete and the labyrinth constant threat; it’s the Elysée of Clarens too, where purest love tilts under the weight of failure and regrets; at last, it’s Citherea-Baudelaire’s death space dominated by the images of fright.