An Analysis of Michel Houellebecq's 'Submission': A Critique of Modern French Society

In recent years, Michel Houellebecq has become a prominent voice in contemporary literature, known for his controversial and thought-provoking works. His novel 'Submission' is a prime example of this. In this article, we will delve into the interpretation of 'Submission', its assessment, and the relevance of its themes in modern French society.

Overview of 'Submission'

First published in 2015, 'Submission' narrates a fictionalized account of the mainly peaceful Islamisation of France. Critics often view this novel as a warning against the increasing influence of Islamic culture in France. However, the author himself presents a more nuanced perspective on the book.

Author's Perspective on 'Submission'

According to the author, 'Submission' is not simply a cautionary tale but a reflection on the superficial self-centeredness of the supposed French leftist intellectual class. The protagonist is portrayed as an archetypical secular French intellectual whose worldview is deeply influenced by a sense of a rooted faith-based past. The book highlights his (and many others') susceptibility to the new regime, which in turn reflects an unsettling betrayal of their traditional values. This betrayal is reminiscent of the "Trahison des Clercs", a phrase used to describe intellectuals who fail to stand against oppressive regimes.

Houellebecq suggests that this shallow, self-centred intellectual tradition is nothing more than a facade. The novel concludes with a critique of this tradition, emphasizing the vacuity and vanity of the leftist intellectual thought. The author presents the take-over in a way that is more dramatic than realistic; while there are a few scenes of unrest and riots, the total upheaval described in the book seems unrealistic to many readers.

Assessment of 'Submission'

While 'Submission' is deemed to be a powerful and engaging read, it is often criticized for its lack of realism. The imagined scenario of France under Sharia law is perhaps the most unrealistic element of the book. Houellebecq portrays a utopian version where high salaries in the public sector and money from Qatar bring peace and prosperity. However, these scenarios completely ignore the reality of how such changes would affect women and the Jewish population, who are all but absent from this utopian narrative. In a realistic scenario, a Muslim party in charge might trigger a civil war between various factions.

Nonetheless, the author's critique of modern society's emptiness and his ruthless exposure of the underlying issues are commendable. 'Submission' serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of ideological shifts in society, but it also provides a critical self-examination of the essence of French culture and its intellectual discourse.

Comparison with 'Les Particules élémentaires'

While 'Submission' has received mixed reviews, his earlier work 'Les Particules élémentaires' is often praised as his most accomplished and profound novel. The depth and complexity of 'Les Particules élémentaires' set it apart from 'Submission' in terms of thematic and narrative richness. Both works, however, serve as a window into the cultural and ideological upheavals of contemporary French society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Michel Houellebecq's 'Submission' is a complex and controversial novel that offers readers a thought-provoking narrative. While the book may not be perfect and not entirely realistic, it provides insightful commentary on the intellectual and cultural currents of French society. As a secular liberal, the author presents a challenging and often uncomfortable perspective, which perhaps adds to the novel's value and relevance.

For those interested in delving deeper into the themes explored in 'Submission' and its potential real-world outcomes, 'Guerrilla' by L. Obertone is a compelling alternative. This fictional work provides a more detailed and realistic account of a future where radical changes in government and society occur.