From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Related words and phrases.
Obsession is a thought or desire that will not leave a person in peace. Magitot’s wish to pull a toy’s string becomes disruptive while resisted; his superior permits fulfilment because its origin is innocent and its consequences have become troubling. The case separates an innocuous object from the harm of excessive suppression. Brotteaux’s reply hints that other objects can cause obsessions, but leaves them unnamed.
Places to read
- Chapter XIV, paragraph 15Frenchil fut délivré de l’obsession: he was delivered from the obsession. The priest pulls the string after authorised permission.
- Chapter XIV, paragraph 16Frenchce ne sont pas toujours des figures de carton qui les causent: cardboard figures do not always cause them. Brotteaux hints at other desires without specifying them.