Will o' the Wisp

Writing is more than a visual representation of language and information. It can serve a plethora of purposes. One of the most notable is the use of writing as an outlet for emotions, stress, energy and ideas. In this way, a writer can vent his emotions on a particular happening or element of his or her life, by simply reporting on such events with his own style. It can give a sense of control over said events and help as a coping mechanism. Drieu la Rochelle makes a reference to this early in the book in mentioning “writers who had made themselves famous through their troubles.” I believe that this was largely one of his aims; to help himself cope with the real life death of his friend, after whom Alain was modeled. By rewriting the events leading up to his friend’s death in his own words and style, he is in a way, able to gain a grasp of the situation, one over which he has no control in reality.