Thursday, August 1, 2013

Welcome to Chateau d'IF

Chateau d'If

Chateau d'If was built in 1529 by King Francois I as a fortress to defend Marseille against attacks by sea. Later the chateau was turned into a prison, as its location and architecture rendered it escape-proof. It was frequently used for religious and political prisoners. 

As was common at that time, prisoners were separated by class, with the lowest classes housed in cramped dungeons and higher classes having cells of their own. However, the prisoner was expected to pay for the privilege of having his own cell and the comfort of a fireplace and garderobe.

The prison was made famous when Alexandre Dumas chose Chateau d'If as the site of Edmond Dantes daring escape from prison in The Count of Monte Cristo. In truth, no one is known to have escaped from Chateau d'If alive.

More information on the physical Chateau d'IF can be found at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Château_d'If
http://www.monuments-nationaux.fr/fichier/m_docvisite/449/docvisite_fichier_chaa.a.teau.d.if.en.web.pdf
http://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/discover-marseille/city-of-art/if-castle-and-frioul-islands/ 

Why Chateau d'IF?

Chateau is French for castle; IF is the common abbreviation for infertility or infertile. So Chateau d'IF is the Castle of Infertility. As with the real Chateau d'If, this castle is a prison, albeit one made of my own body and broken heart in lieu of stone. 

In later posts I'll detail more about who I am and how I came to be imprisoned here.

6 comments:

  1. So glad you are blogging!!!

    As I read the description of the castle, I found myself thinking it was a perfect description at infertility. A beautifully heart-breaking title that fits an IF gal so well.

    Looking forward to reading more - but hoping and praying you are posting with good news very very soon.

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  2. So sorry you--and all of us--are dealing with this prison :(

    I look forward to reading more!

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  3. I love the name of your blog.

    I also hope that as this blog grows, as the days and months pass, and as you and your husband carry this cross, you will find that it is WITHIN the Chateau D'IF that you find and learn everything you need in life, in spite of and because of its ability to encompass you at this time of your life.

    Just as Edmund Dantes found love and hope to replace the prison of hopelessness and vengeance in his own internal prison, I hope you find the same within yours.

    Can't wait to follow along the way :)

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  4. As fellow IF girl and Francophile, I love the name of your blog!

    I'm so sorry that you had to join this club, but I'm glad that you can find support in the wonderful bloggosphere!

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