Claire's Knee (1970)

Aurora Cornu: Aurora the Novelist

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Quotes 

• Aurora, the novelist : She disturbs you? How? Her body?

  Jerome : Yes, the way she looks, since it's all I know about her. We've hardly ever spoken. I find it quite difficult to talk to her.

  Aurora, the novelist : Well, well. She intimidates you.

  Jerome : I feel absolutely powerless around girls like that.

• Aurora, the novelist : It's very simple. Place your hand on her knee. That will excise the desire.

  Jerome : It's not simple at all. That's the hardest thing to do. A caress has to be accepted. It would be easier to seduce her.

• Jerome : Basically, I love thin, delicate girls. All the girls I've known and loved were too hardy, in my opinion.

  Aurora, the novelist : Hardy?

  Jerome : Lucinde, for example, is quite athletic, though in a way I rather like her sporty side. But if I had a woman made to order, I think I'd give Claire's measurements.

  Aurora, the novelist : Yes, she has a lovely figure. I think she'll grow to be a very beautiful woman. I mean she'll fill out in all the right places. You know, all these slender, pretty girls - I'm sure you've noticed. At 30, very few are still beautiful. But I think Claire will stand up to the onslaught.

• Jerome : What are you doing on this bridge? You know it's the Lovers' Bridge?

  Aurora, the novelist : My coffee grounds predicted an encounter, but it was only you. You didn't even recognize me. Have I changed that much?

  Jerome : Not at all. You're prettier and younger than ever. But, I was steering the boat and, besides, I don't look at the ladies anymore. That's right. I'm getting married.

• Aurora, the novelist : Aren't you ashamed to reveal your dark side?

• Aurora, the novelist : Writing forces me to keep my eyes open.

• Aurora, the novelist : I follow the characters' impulses. Their own logic drives them on.

  Jerome : But you help.

  Aurora, the novelist : No, I never invent. I discover.

• Aurora, the novelist : I find all men attractive. That's why I can't pick one. Why one and not another? I need a reason to choose one specific man. Since I can't have them all, I prefer to do without any.

• Aurora, the novelist : Let me tell you something. Last year I wanted to test my charms on very young boys. The young generation is a complete unknown to me. Incomprehensible. A total mystery. I settled on the number five in one week.

  Jerome : Five!

  Aurora, the novelist : Actually, I had three. Very handsome, all of them.

  Jerome : Did you enjoy it, apart from the glory of conquest?

  Aurora, the novelist : It was very nice. I could have gone on. But since it was a matter of ego, and ego is quickly satisfied, at least, in this area, I prefer to wait. I know how to wait. Waiting is pleasant in and of itself.

• Aurora, the novelist : A charming story, but perfectly banal. There's nothing perverse there aside from what you see in it.