The Impossible Solution of the Enigma of Identity in Piège pour Cendrillon, by Sébastien Japrisot

Abstract

In this paper we have followed the narrative-semiotics approaches applied, by Dubois, to the mystery novel. His four-role system of characters has been used to reveal the different interpreta-tions of the events in this novel. An analysis of the narrative structure, as well as the time organi-zation, contributes to reveal the planning of the enigma of murder. The enigma of the protago-nist’s identity is related to the mythical figure of the double, which in this novel is presented as a situation of duplicity. The protagonist searches tirelessly for her identity, as Oedipus did. Howev-er, she won’t discover it. The author of this novel uses the female characters, which are stereotypes, to create a portrait of the human being and maybe to ask the readers about the fate of humankind.