Grisette (person)

The term Grisette described in the French literature of the 19th century, a young, unmarried woman of the lower classes, mostly from the upper portion of the backsheet, the self-employed as a milliner, but also as a seamstress ( Midinette ), laundress or factory worker earned their livelihood. She lived alone, without supervision of their parents, which was seen as unconventional in that era. The name derives from a gray, cheap and durable wool fabric called Grisette, they often wore a dress and they could not afford by their low earnings.

With the expression not quite respectable way of life was joined in Paris, including some women were referred to as Grisettes du quartier latin, the lovers of students, artists, etc. in the Latin Quarter, who lived with their lovers for some time without being married. It forms the literary counterpart to the male " bohemian ", but is in contrast to " cocotte ", the professional prostitutes.

Among the most famous literary Grisette figures include the girlfriends Mimi and Musetta, the main characters in Puccini's opera " La Bohème", or in the operetta "The Merry Widow " by Franz Lehar, in the life of grisettes and the " Maxim's " is described, the place and symbol of the evening pleasures of young women. Another typical description of the Paris Grisette can be found in the representation of Rigolette in Eugène Sue's novel " Secrets of Paris " or in Victor Hugo's " Les Misérables ". Grisettes also play a role in Georg Büchner's play Danton's Death as Rosalie, Adelaide and Marion.

Other meanings

Type of vine: A French new breed of white Silvaner vines and Solonis, the vine variety Garusot Gris is also referred to as Grisette.

Gourd: A subspecies of the pumpkin also bears the name.