In French, a magpie is une pie . The slang for a thief is un piqueur (related to piquer , to steal). But more cleverly: the magpie is a natural thief, acting on instinct. By making the culprit a bird, Hergé says: There is no evil here. Only chaos and stupidity. Part 6: Reception & Legacy Initial Reception: Critics were baffled. “Where is the adventure?” many asked. Children felt cheated. Adults slowly began to realize it was a masterpiece of anti-climax.
Today, it is considered by many scholars (including Michael Farr and Harry Thompson) as one of Hergé’s top three albums. It is praised for its maturity, its quiet humor, and its structural daring. les bijoux de la castafiore
Most Tintin books move across continents. Here, the entire story takes place within 200 meters of the front door. The comedy comes from confinement: Haddock’s crutches, Thompson falling down stairs, Snowy getting stuck in a drainpipe. In French, a magpie is une pie
It is the most adult Tintin book. And for that reason, it is unforgettable. By making the culprit a bird, Hergé says: