THE PLACE OF WOMENT IN LITERATURE
AND IN LANGUAGE REFLECTS THEIR PLACE IN
SOCIETY
MELBOURNE. SYDNEY OCT.85

First, I would like to say that I thought
I knew English ... and managed pretty well until the day I began was invited, 10
years go to deliver lecture, in that language
in American Universities on Ainsi soit-Elle. In fact, I did learn
English at the same time as colloquial lgge...
But when it comes to intell. French topics, things get
though ! And it's very depressing, especially for
a writer, not to find the correct words.

I hope you'll be indulgent and give me the
credit that I am brighter when I speak
French than English.

Paul Valery, one of our famous poets,
said that writing was a revenge for those who
have only AFTER-WIT(we say in French: l'esprit
de l'escalier - staircase wit ! (meaning we usually
find the good answers when we're on our way
out. I think in that respect I am a writer !

3rd reason why I am not easy
speaker, an improviser : strange as it may seem,
it has something to go whith our subject
to day and the fact I am a woman !