Le Jardin des supplices
"Le Jardin des supplices" is a novel written by the French author Octave Mirbeau, published in 1899. The story is set in a fictional tropical island and explores themes of cruelty, suffering, and the darker aspects of human nature. It follows the journey of a man who encounters various forms of torture and punishment, reflecting on the moral implications of such acts.
The narrative is rich in symbolism and critiques societal norms, particularly the hypocrisy of civilization. Mirbeau's work is often associated with the Decadent movement, which emphasizes the exploration of taboo subjects and the complexities of human emotions.