Simple Passion

Ernaux writes, “I do not wish to explain my passion—that would imply that it was a mistake or some disorder I need to justify—I just want to describe it.” (21) Did this affect the way you read the book? How? Do you feel that a simple telling evokes emotion as powerfully as contextualizing it?

“Once I start typing out the text, once it appears before me in public characters, I shall be through with innocence.” (54) To what extent is this true? How does Ernaux’s definition of innocence compare to your own? Are the innocence and passion she documents necessarily paradoxical?

What do you think of Ernaux’s decision to include A’s last visit? How does it affect the story as a whole?

In what ways does Ernaux believe her affair has brought her “closer to the world”? (60) Is passion the only means through which this is possible?