You won't find it in a lower style of literature, and I think much newer (properly new, not 40s new) literature also avoids it. And if you use it in speaking you are downright weird (hence why newer literature, seeking a closer relation to spoken language, possibly a more natural feel, is using it less).
Legolas is also right that it is not emphasised in schools, certainly in Norway. It was mentioned a couple of times, but teaching us to use it was never a priority, precisely because we were unlikely to try to write a high literary piece in French, and because those of us who read that sort of French literature would be able to work out what was going on on our own.
Legolas is also right that it is not emphasised in schools, certainly in Norway. It was mentioned a couple of times, but teaching us to use it was never a priority, precisely because we were unlikely to try to write a high literary piece in French, and because those of us who read that sort of French literature would be able to work out what was going on on our own.
*MySmiley*
structured procrastinator
structured procrastinator
This message last edited by Camilla on 15/12/2010 at 10:20:46 AM
Maurice Druon - The Accursed Kings
13/12/2010 08:19:21 PM
- 7963 Views
Thank you for giving this review - I had forgotten the name of the author and series.
13/12/2010 09:29:59 PM
- 1723 Views
You're welcome (and thanks for the correction, edited).
13/12/2010 10:23:55 PM
- 1744 Views
I know it's not "literary". (EDITED)
13/12/2010 10:42:33 PM
- 1648 Views
And with regard to your edit, I don't have a problem with passé simples myself.
13/12/2010 10:53:59 PM
- 2063 Views
But how can one read any French literature at all without encountering the passé simple?
15/12/2010 03:39:37 AM
- 1880 Views
The point is it is a "literary" tense
15/12/2010 10:19:59 AM
- 1867 Views
Why would I read a lower style of book (I won't use the term "literature" to describe them) ?
16/12/2010 06:11:36 AM
- 1667 Views
I don't want to start a fight here, but your attitude is seriously starting to grate.
16/12/2010 06:54:30 PM
- 1929 Views
I don't care. Start a fight.
16/12/2010 08:24:22 PM
- 1831 Views
Well, or we can have a civil debate on French culture, I suppose... also fun.
16/12/2010 09:09:20 PM
- 1820 Views

Well, I'm up for that, too.
17/12/2010 05:48:39 AM
- 1801 Views
Good.
17/12/2010 09:01:37 PM
- 2153 Views

Ah - I support the subjunctive!!!
18/12/2010 05:10:38 AM
- 2011 Views
But you don't think its disappearance corresponds to a decline in American culture?
18/12/2010 01:29:43 PM
- 1799 Views

About the passé simple, what Camilla said. As for medieval vocabulary...
15/12/2010 07:17:44 PM
- 1825 Views
That looks like a really fascinating series.
13/12/2010 10:56:52 PM
- 1769 Views
Step up your French lessons!!!
13/12/2010 11:50:21 PM
- 1948 Views
That is a great reason to learn French.
14/12/2010 07:29:54 PM
- 1681 Views
Ooooh
14/12/2010 07:41:03 PM
- 1601 Views
I'm really not quite sure how you managed that.
14/12/2010 08:09:55 PM
- 1767 Views
