The title references Paul Èluard, a French surrealist from the 20th century. He worked often in Surrealist poetry/literature, but also dabbled with artists like Man Ray.
The "chorus" lines about independence reference Eluard's standing resistance to the French conflicts surrounding WWII. Eluard served as a part of the French resistance force, writing politically charged poetry.
This isn't Kevin Barnes's only allusion to French literature; "The Past is a Grotesque Animal" also referenced famous 20th century French philosophical writer Georges Bataille. Though Bataille and Èluard sought different circles of friends, it extends Barnes's fascination with avant-garde French history.
The title references Paul Èluard, a French surrealist from the 20th century. He worked often in Surrealist poetry/literature, but also dabbled with artists like Man Ray.
The "chorus" lines about independence reference Eluard's standing resistance to the French conflicts surrounding WWII. Eluard served as a part of the French resistance force, writing politically charged poetry.
This isn't Kevin Barnes's only allusion to French literature; "The Past is a Grotesque Animal" also referenced famous 20th century French philosophical writer Georges Bataille. Though Bataille and Èluard sought different circles of friends, it extends Barnes's fascination with avant-garde French history.