You won't find it in a lower style of literature, and I think much newer (properly new, not 40s new) literature also avoids it. And if you use it in speaking you are downright weird (hence why newer literature, seeking a closer relation to spoken language, possibly a more natural feel, is using it less).
Legolas is also right that it is not emphasised in schools, certainly in Norway. It was mentioned a couple of times, but teaching us to use it was never a priority, precisely because we were unlikely to try to write a high literary piece in French, and because those of us who read that sort of French literature would be able to work out what was going on on our own.
Legolas is also right that it is not emphasised in schools, certainly in Norway. It was mentioned a couple of times, but teaching us to use it was never a priority, precisely because we were unlikely to try to write a high literary piece in French, and because those of us who read that sort of French literature would be able to work out what was going on on our own.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
structured procrastinator
This message last edited by Camilla on 15/12/2010 at 10:20:46 AM
Maurice Druon - The Accursed Kings
13/12/2010 08:19:21 PM
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Thank you for giving this review - I had forgotten the name of the author and series.
13/12/2010 09:29:59 PM
- 2130 Views
You're welcome (and thanks for the correction, edited).
13/12/2010 10:23:55 PM
- 2126 Views
I know it's not "literary". (EDITED)
13/12/2010 10:42:33 PM
- 2016 Views
And with regard to your edit, I don't have a problem with passé simples myself.
13/12/2010 10:53:59 PM
- 2434 Views
But how can one read any French literature at all without encountering the passé simple?
15/12/2010 03:39:37 AM
- 2252 Views
The point is it is a "literary" tense
15/12/2010 10:19:59 AM
- 2241 Views
Why would I read a lower style of book (I won't use the term "literature" to describe them) ?
16/12/2010 06:11:36 AM
- 2033 Views
I don't want to start a fight here, but your attitude is seriously starting to grate.
16/12/2010 06:54:30 PM
- 2296 Views
I don't care. Start a fight.
16/12/2010 08:24:22 PM
- 2214 Views
Well, or we can have a civil debate on French culture, I suppose... also fun.
16/12/2010 09:09:20 PM
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Well, I'm up for that, too.
17/12/2010 05:48:39 AM
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Good.
17/12/2010 09:01:37 PM
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Ah - I support the subjunctive!!!
18/12/2010 05:10:38 AM
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TANGENT
18/12/2010 09:56:31 AM
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This whole conversation is just a pile of tangents, anyway.
*NM*
18/12/2010 01:30:09 PM
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But you don't think its disappearance corresponds to a decline in American culture?
18/12/2010 01:29:43 PM
- 2190 Views

About the passé simple, what Camilla said. As for medieval vocabulary...
15/12/2010 07:17:44 PM
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That looks like a really fascinating series.
13/12/2010 10:56:52 PM
- 2135 Views
Step up your French lessons!!!
13/12/2010 11:50:21 PM
- 2335 Views
That is a great reason to learn French.
14/12/2010 07:29:54 PM
- 2048 Views
Ooooh
14/12/2010 07:41:03 PM
- 1969 Views
I'm really not quite sure how you managed that.
14/12/2010 08:09:55 PM
- 2121 Views
