Le “soi” dans trois textes québécois : déconstruction et reconstruction par l’autre.

Abstract

The concept of the ‘self’ represents a crucial element in Québécois literature and culture. This ‘soi’ should be not perceived as a fixed element, which cannot be modified. Quebec literature shows numerous examples of texts where mutating individuals struggle to find their ‘selves’. Migration is one part of the mutation process, and should be considered not only as a geographical, but also a social and mental migration, involving several inevitable encounters with the ‘other’. This ‘other’ should be understood here as referring not only to personal encounters but as a generic term for all that is unknown, including the revelation of the unknown within the familiar and the development of new aspects within the self. Jacques Poulin, Marco Micone and Jean-Marc Vallée present us with various aspects of otherness that will participate in deconstructing the ‘self’ as well as giving birth to ‘new’ individuals. This work focuses on the impact of ‘leaving’ on identity. Among other critics and theorists Julia Kristeva has led debate on the questions of foreignness and otherness in order to address questions of identity. Inspired by her work, the analysis of Volkswagen Blues, Le Figuier enchanté and C.R.A.Z.Y. explores ‘otherness’ through different perspective, namely through the notions of métissage (Poulin), migration (Micone) and sexual identity (Vallée). While dealing with theses questions of multiculturality, hybridity and sexuality, reference will also be made as appropriate to theorists such as Homi Bhabha, Sheri Simon and Judith Butler. Jack, Pitsémine, Nino and Zac will all be shown to be on quests to understand and resolve a dislocated sense of ‘self’, which in turn relates to broader issues of identity.