Marguerite Duras

Date of Birth: April 4, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 3, 1996

Biography

Marguerite Duras, born Marguerite Donnadieu on April 4, 1914, in Gia Định, French Indochina (now Vietnam), was a renowned French novelist, playwright, scriptwriter, essayist, and experimental filmmaker. Her works often explore themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human emotions. Duras spent her early childhood in French Indochina, which greatly influenced her later works, particularly her critically acclaimed novel “The Lover” (“L’Amant”), which won the prestigious Prix Goncourt in 1984. After relocating to France in the 1930s, Duras studied law and political science at the University of Paris. During World War II, she worked for the French government but was also involved with the French Resistance. Her first novel, “Les Impudents,” was published in 1943, marking the beginning of a prolific and diverse literary career. Duras wrote more than 70 novels, plays, films, and essays, and her screenplay for Alain Resnais’ film “Hiroshima mon amour” (1959) is particularly noteworthy. Duras’ literary style is often described as minimalist and fragmented, blending narrative, dialogue, and inner monologue in innovative ways. Her work has left an indelible mark on French literature and cinema, influencing numerous writers and filmmakers.

5 Interesting Facts about Marguerite Duras

1. Marguerite Duras’ novel “The Lover” was based on her own youthful affair with a wealthy Chinese lover in Sa Đéc, Vietnam.

2. She was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and was briefly imprisoned by the Gestapo.

3. Duras directed several films, including “India Song” (1975), which received critical acclaim for its experimental narrative style.

4. Her novel “Moderato Cantabile” (1958) was adapted into a film starring Jeanne Moreau and Jean-Paul Belmondo.

5. Duras’ work often blurred the lines between autobiography and fiction, making her literary voice unique and deeply personal.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Marguerite Duras

1. “Writing comes like the wind. It’s naked, it’s made of nothing and it goes through you and you’re not there.”

2. “It’s afterwards you realize that the feeling of happiness you had with a man didn’t necessarily prove that you loved him.”

3. “The best way to fill time is to waste it.”

4. “Alcohol doesn’t console, it doesn’t fill up anyone’s psychological gaps, all it replaces is the lack of God.”

5. “A writer is someone who accepts the knowledge that language is not the truth.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of her career, Marguerite Duras’ net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely derived from her book sales and film royalties.

Children

Marguerite Duras had one son, Jean Mascolo, born in 1947. Jean Mascolo is a filmmaker and has collaborated on several projects related to his mother’s work.