Du côté de Cythère Le « demi-monde » des actrices de Marcel Proust

This study suggests connecting the disreputable female characters who populate Recherche with those prostitutes who were called, at the beginning of the twentieth century, théâtreuses. By following the trajectories of courtesans, this contribution shows a connection between the music hall and the demi-monde, with evidence provided by the figures of Odette and Rachel. Once these links are established, we can grasp a hybrid form combining prostitution and spectacle that stretches from the architecture of venues all the way to the attractions that are being presented there.