“La mer pommelée de moutons blancs” : absence maritime dans l’oeuvre de Nicolas Bouvier

Abstract

Nicolas Bouvier’s work (Geneva, 1929-1998) is the result of his lifelong travel impressions which began while he was still a teenager. In the circuits taken by this great traveler, the land routes are seemingly the most significant ones even though the sea, which is virtually absent, often reveals itself through associated elements which are materialized in notable metaphors. As metaphor, symbol or physical reference, the sea and its related imagery emerge in the exceptional experiences in the islands, particularly those in Le Poisson-scorpion. This text interweaves the threads of land and sea as well as of individuality and alterity.

Keywords

• Nicolas Bouvier
• Islands
• Scorpionfish
• Travel
• Land routes