DiotimosReading Desk

Love

Keys and figurative imprisonment

clef; prisonnier; verrou

The iron key and bolt secure Élodie’s bedroom, but she playfully compares the key to a prison key and calls Gamelin her prisoner.

From the book

The Gods Are Athirst

Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026

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Meaning

Related words and phrases.

The iron key and bolt secure Élodie’s bedroom, but she playfully compares the key to a prison key and calls Gamelin her prisoner. The scene is consensual erotic language, distinct from the actual confinement described elsewhere. Later prison keys and locks produce fear and agitation. The shared objects join the settings without making the bedroom itself an involuntary imprisonment.

Places to read

  1. Chapter XI, paragraph 54Frenchune clef de prison: a prison key. Élodie’s comparison begins her playful declaration of Gamelin as prisoner.
  2. Chapter XI, paragraph 56Frenchpousser le verrou: shoot the bolt. She closes the room before their first night.
  3. Chapter XIX, paragraph 8Frenchle bruit des armes et des clefs: the sound of weapons and keys. Prison sounds aggravate the inmates’ emotions.