Black Venus by Angela Carter
"Black Venus" by Angela Carter is a poignant narrative that explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the complexities of relationships through the lens of a young Black woman named Jeanne. Set in a Parisian apartment adorned with Persian carpets and rare books, the story unfolds during an autumn afternoon as Jeanne interacts with her lover, Daddy. Despite the romantic setting, Jeanne grapples with feelings of sadness and disconnection, particularly when Daddy shares his fantasies of a carefree life on a tropical island, which evoke painful memories tied to the history of the slave trade.
The dynamic between the two characters is marked by Jeanne's struggle to embrace her identity in a world that often views her through a lens of "otherness." Through gestures such as striking poses and engaging in intimate moments, the narrative reflects her complex feelings towards love, belonging, and representation. The story culminates in a transformation as they venture into the city, symbolizing a shift in their relationship and Jeanne's evolving perception of herself. "Black Venus" gives readers a nuanced exploration of love intertwined with historical and cultural awareness, inviting reflection on the interplay between personal and collective identity.
Black Venus by Angela Carter
First published: 1980
Type of plot: Fantasy
Time of work: The mid-nineteenth century
Locale: Paris
Principal Characters:
Daddy (Charles Baudelaire) , a French poetJeanne Duval , his black mistress
The Story
On an autumn afternoon, a tall, young black woman named Jeanne entertains her lover, Daddy. They are in a Parisian apartment furnished with Persian carpets and rare books. She is sad. Daddy tries to cheer her up with his fantasy about life on the tropical island where he will take her one day; however, she does not want to think about the West Indies and the old slave trade. She lights a small cigar with a discarded page of Daddy's writing and drinks rum. When he asks her to dance a slow dance that he has created for her, she strikes poses calculated to show her otherness. After they make love, they go out into the city, transformed.