Monsieur De Phocas, Astarté: Roman

A novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers on the enigmatic character M. de Phocas, who becomes a focal point of intrigue and discussion among the Parisian elite, possessing a mysterious past and a penchant for the aesthetics of beauty and decadence. The story delves into themes of obsession, identity, and the interplay between art and life, inviting readers to explore the darker dimensions of desire and allure. The opening of the novel introduces the main character, M. de Phocas, as he unexpectedly visits the narrator, who is struggling to comprehend the audacity displayed by this curious visitor. Described in intricate detail, M. de Phocas exudes an air of elegance and refinement, yet his unnaturally pale appearance hints at a deeper turmoil. As the narrator observes him handling his manuscripts with nonchalance, he becomes increasingly captivated and repulsed by M. de Phocas's audacity, culminating in a conversation rife with esoteric references to art, beauty, and an inner malaise. This initial encounter sets the stage for exploring themes of obsession, as M. de Phocas expresses a profound connection to the allure of gemstones and the legacy of obsession they symbolize, particularly through the allusion to Astarté, the demon of lust and the sea.