Functions of Epigraphs  in the M. Houellebecq’s Novel  “Les Particules Élémentaires”

Abstract. The article regards the functions of epigraphs in the novel “Les particules élémentaires” by contemporary French writer M. Houellebecq, where the author makes conceptualization of the para-textual elements. The epigraph is one of the paratextual elements that carries factual, conceptual and subtextual information in the novel, as well as introduces a significant layer of cultural information into the artistic space. Being closely related to the subtext and directly to the text of literary work, the epigraph promotes a coherent reading of the novel. The connection between the paratextual elements (epigraphs) and the genre peculiarity of the novel (roman à thèse) and the development of liberal criticism that permeates all the Houellebecq’s works was reviewed.

Keywords: French literature, Michel Houellebecq, para-text, criticism of liberalism, corporeality, sexuality, “Elementary particles” as a novel à thèse.