Usités

Usités refers to a collection of short fictional stories written by the French author Georges Perec. First published in 1974, the work is characterized by its experimental approach to narrative and language, a hallmark of Perec's Oulipo-influenced writing. The stories, often very brief and varying in length, explore mundane objects, everyday situations, and specific observations about life and society.

Perec employs a range of literary techniques in usités, including constraints, wordplay, and a focus on the overlooked aspects of existence. The collection does not follow a linear plot but rather presents a series of vignettes that, when read together, offer a fragmented yet insightful portrait of the modern world. Many of the stories are built around specific themes or formal structures, such as lists, anagrams, or particular grammatical rules.

The title itself, "usités," is a French word meaning "used," "commonplace," or "in use," which directly reflects the subject matter of the stories. Perec draws attention to the ordinary, imbuing it with a sense of wonder or strangeness through his unique perspective and meticulous attention to detail. Usités is considered a significant work in Perec's oeuvre, demonstrating his playful and innovative approach to literature and his ability to find profound meaning in the seemingly trivial.