Saint Genet: Actor and Martyr

Abstract

At seven years of age the orphaned Jean Genet is placed in a Morvan peasant home by The National Foundling Society. The government action is normal and Genet is grateful for his adoption. True, he is brought up to say, “Thank you!” for everything; but he is not resentful. He is a good boy and at the head of his classes. He is said to be pious. Moreover, he wishes to please, for he has a dream: He will work, save, own things, and be a respected peasant like his foster parents. There is more. This orphaned child wants to be a saint. How are the dreams of having property and of being a saint related? No doubt, the young Genet has not troubled himself about such matters. Still, he clearly learned respect for property from his foster parents, and, perhaps, one can say that he substituted saintly election for the lost relationship to his real parents.