She loved being loved

The title The Adulterous Wife is an especially unfortunate one. Janine, wife to Marcel, accompanies her husband on a trip to the desert in which her attention is drawn to her desire for a different life. Then, one particularly loveless night, she escapes from their hotel room and wanders into the Algerian desert, where she witnesses the stars seemingly fall around her. From the outset, we are led to believe that Janinesʼs actions are malicious or selfish in nature. Indeed, this “frame” is what Camus intended us to consider, however what he presents is a more complex and nuanced exploration of freedom and not infidelity. It must be noted that this story may be Camus’ attempt to justify his numerous extra marital affairs. This piece contains five short extracts that seek to capture the transformation of Janineʼs thoughts throughout the short story: The fly trembled: Agitation She loved being loved: Reminiscence Sharpness dissolves: Realisation and Conflict As on Earth, we are alone: Isolation and Desire The stars fell for her: Freedom

Flutes: Lamorna Nightingale

Clarinets: Jason Noble

Saxophones: Alice Morgan

Vibraphone: Claire Edwards

Piano: Jack Symonds