A Complicated and Boring Existence

I have now read the first nine chapters. This part of the book is about life for the poor in Paris (in the 1920's). The plot revolves around the experiences of the narrator who lives in a shabby +hotel+, the Hôtel des Trois Moineaux, in Rue Du Coq D'OR (a street). The narrator is an Englishman, and the book is written in first person, but “I” is not named. It's a semi-autobiography in the sense that it represents parts of the authors own life (Orwell/Blair), although events are somewhat altered and fictional.

The physical descriptions of the slums are fairly detailed, from the almost frequent mention of bugs in various rooms to the dirty walls of the +hotel+. According to the narrator, the area in which he first lives in is “quite a representative Paris slum.” Early on, the “spirit” of the Rue Du Coq D'OR street is described, this could be the beginnings of what seems to be a more psychological approach, later expanded. Some characters are introduced, including the “patronne” (manager/owner) of the Trois Moineaux, Madame F., but more obscure and less central characters are also mentioned in anecdotes. The narrator tries to demonstrate the diversity of people living in the area, and not just that there are shopkeepers and pawnshops etc. Strange personalities are described, some more “curious” than others.

The chapters basically portray a constant struggle to get enough money to buy food, pay for the rent and so on; a struggle for the most basic/fundamental material needs. The narrator knows himself “down and out” as he calls it, and feels “relief” because of this. He now tolerates the “dogs” of society, he has “reached them.” Eventually the narrator is in a very difficult financial situation, and seeks help from his Russian ex-officer friend Boris, but is fairly disappointed and surprised when he finds out that Boris is in a worse situation than himself. In addition, the narrator wasted precious money when he bought a pack of “Gaulois Bleu” (presumably cigarettes) for “two francs fifty” before meeting Boris. The Russian lives with a Jew who seems to owe Boris money, he therefore provides shelter and two francs a day for him (to be used for food). Boris dislikes the Jew, he seems to be fairly anti-Semitic. The Russian appears to be much more experienced in fighting poverty, he has contacts etc., I get the feeling that the narrator is somewhat of an observer, just trying on poverty temporarily. Neither of them have a substantial income, and their lives can now be described as one desperate job hunt. They walk several kilometers looking for work, underfed, tired, and often there is no reward. Boris is also limp and has problems with his back.

Poverty is “complicated” the narrator tells us; the social implications of a reduced income must be concealed, elaborate plans/schemes are made to avoid paying the rent, a job might depend on having red cheeks and not looking too pale (as a result of bad living conditions). So much can go wrong. The narrator finds that he is not afraid in poverty, but mostly bored. He also argues that “within certain limits”, having less money can lead to less worry; one does not think about the future, merely the next day. After many failed attempts, the protagonist is finally promised a job; he is to become a “plongeur” in two weeks, and with this position comes the possibility of being promoted to a lavatory attendant.