JULES LAFORGUE’S IRONIC PIERROT

Abstract

This study examines the pierrot as a character in the work of French poet Jules Laforgue through the analysis of an allegoric poem. The concept of character is extracted from the theory of Jacques Lacan. In order to do this we first define the Borromean knot; then, the phallic and the master signifiers; then rhythm, voice and character. We identify in the Laforguean pierrot an uneasiness in the soul and we characterize him as ironic. We translate the poem to Portuguese. Our main thesis is that the sense of a character is an origin of the narrative. We define origin and narrative in our discussion and we conclude with ideas for further studies.