The French are connoisseurs of sadness, they know all kinds. This is why they have bidets.
The quote from Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin" suggests that the French have a deep awareness and appreciation for the nuances of sadness. This implies that their culture is rich with experiences and emotions that delve into the melancholic aspects of life. The mention of bidets humorously juxtaposes the idea of comfort and cleanliness with the weight of sadness, reflecting a certain sophistication in how the French approach their emotions and daily habits.
Atwood's characterization of the French as 'connoisseurs' indicates a level of expertise and enjoyment in experiencing sadness, rather than merely suffering from it. This perspective invites readers to consider the complexities of human emotion and how different cultures may embrace and express their feelings in unique ways. The quote is a reminder that sadness can be both a profound and beautiful aspect of the human experience.
