Marie Noël, born Marie-Melanie Rouget (Auxerre, 16 February 1883 – 23 December 1967) was a French poet, a devout Catholic laywoman and officer of the Légion d'honneur.[1][2] She was affectionately called "the Warbler of Auxerre".[3]
Biography
Early life
Marie Noël came from a well-educated family that respected Catholic heritage but did not go above and beyond what was required of them—attending services when needed. Her father, Louis Rouget, was an agrégé in philosophy and a professor at the Collège d' Auxerre teaching both philosophy and art history. Her mother, Marie-Émélie-Louise Barat, was a devout Christian who was naturally happier and more outgoing than her father. Her family originated in Auxerre and had been river companions since the 1400s. They then became ship carpenters and, in the 18th century, building contractors.[4][5]
Death
Having become almost blind, she died peacefully on 23 December 1967, having taken holy communion one last time. Her funeral took place at Église Saint-Pierre d'Auxerre and was buried in the family grave in the Saint-Amâtre cemetery in Auxerre.[6]
Literary career
Marie Noël was a deeply religious and even mystical woman, but she was also a passionate and tormented person. She is often only recognized for her "traditional song" works, which diminishes the literary value and emotional depth of her darker writings. One such poem is "Howl," which is the title of another of her poems, and it depicts the true "howl" of a mother torn between her almost animal suffering and her faith in God's acceptance.[7] Based on Jeanne-Marie Baude's reading of the Notes intimes, this passage highlights a particularly emotional torn between faith and despair that culminates in a blasphemous outburst immediately repented.[8]
