Abstract:
The article offers for the first time an analysis of a series of critiques written by the French author Camille Selden (pseudonym of Elise Krinitz) and devoted to I. S. Turgenev’s works. Published in 1879 by the Paris newspaper “Le XIXe siècle,” these articles were read and appreciated by the writer in a letter addressed to Selden that is being now introduced into scientific circulation. “La Mouche” is known in literary circles as Heinrich Heine’s last love: he dedicated six poems to her and addressed her at least two dozens of letters. It was from Heine that Eliza received the nickname “La Mouche.” Later, she turned out to be an insightful critic who highly appreciated the work of the Russian writer. Despite numerous flaws, and sometimes not a very careful reading of Turgenev’s texts, Selden showed wide familiarity with the writer’s works, although often her assessments look more exotic than deep. In general, Selden’s view of Russia caused Turgenev’s rejection.
References
Bianquis, Genevieve. “Wright J. Camille Selden, sa vie, son oeuvre (Bibliotheque de la Revue de Litterature comparee. Vol. 80). Paris, Honore Champion, 1931” [“Wright J. Camille Selden, his Life, his Work (Library of the Comparative Literature Review. Vol. 80). Paris, Honore Champion, 1931”]. Revue critique d’histoire et de litterature, no. 7 (juillet), 1932, pp. 317–318. (In Frеnch)
Gagnebin, M. “Une Muse romantique” [“A Romantic Muse”]. Mercure de France, 41e annee, no. 777 (1 novembre), CCXXIII, 1930, p. 545. (In Frеnch)
Wright, J. Camille Selden, sa vie, son oeuvre. Un intermediaire entre l’esprit germanique et l’esprit francais [Camille Selden, her Life, her Work. An Intermediary between the Germanic Spirit and the French Spirit]. Paris, Honore Champion, 1931. 259 p. (In Frеnch)
