BEHIND THE SCENES
Epigraph & Perfase
Epigraph
An epigraph is a short quotation, phrase, or poem placed at the beginning of a book, chapter, or article. It is often used to set the tone, hint at a theme, or provide a context for the work that follows.
Epigraphs can come from literature, philosophy, religious texts, or even popular culture. They serve as a kind of prelude, offering insight into the author’s inspiration or message.
The epigraph in “Bad Girl” is from the same book as the quote from “Good Girl”, Histoire d’O, Story of O for the Anglo Americans under us.
Histoire d’O (Story of O) is a French erotic novel published in 1954, written by Pauline Réage, the pen name of Anne Desclos. The novel explores themes of submission, sadomasochism, and power dynamics. Following the journey of a woman named O. Initially considered scandalous, it pushed the boundaries of literary eroticism and female desire. Despite its controversial nature, the book won the Prix des Deux Magots in 1955, signalling its literary significance. Many interpret Histoire d’O as a response to male-dominated erotic literature, reclaiming female sexuality through submission. Desclos’s relationship with Jean Paulhan, a literary critic and editor, influenced the novel’s themes. It draws from the works of the Marquis de Sade and reflects mid-20th-century French intellectual debates on sexuality and freedom. The book faced censorship and legal challenges but remains a major work in erotic literature. Its influence extends to BDSM culture, feminist debates, and later erotic fiction, including Fifty Shades of Grey. The novel continues to spark discussions about the intersection of love, desire, and power.
Quote
The quote is short, but covers the entire journey Sylvia has to make to come to terms with all that has happened in the past:
Her surrender was not the surrender of one who has lost, but the surrender of one who has finally found herself.
Surrender without Guilt or Shame. That is the journey Sylvia is bound to embark in this book. Pauline Réage says it can be done. Sylvia is not so sure.
Prefase
The emotional plea from the protagonist was NOT to read her misery. Dwelling on her grief. Fat chance, of course. The Netherlands is soon to implement a law banning the posting of accident photos and videos on social media. Disaster tourism, we call it over here.
As the story progresses, the reason for her emotional plea at the beginning will become clear to us all.
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