Les Cabinets et les petites maisons
Cabinets and Small Houses

Summary/Abstract: The pursuit of aesthetic pleasure preoccupies the heroes of libertine novels of the eighteenth century: all the actors in this social comedy participate in shows, parties and romantic encounters to temporarily ward off the spectre of boredom and to enjoy moments of passion. In order to escape embarrassment and alienating feelings, libertines need to make their lives an aesthetic experience. This is the reason why libertine heroes favour certain enclosed places like secret cabinets and small houses where nature and artifice merge thanks to the fusion of spaces.

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