Passé simple

Question

Les deux chiens se fixèrent avec méfiance.The two dogs stared at each other suspiciously.
I have been trying to understand what “fixerent” means/where it comes from (please excuse lack of accents in my question). At first I thought the translation should be the two dogs stare or are staring at each other.I then found a conjugation table and found “fixerent” (with the accent over the e) is passé simple.I have only just been moved up to “B2” level on Kwiziq but I don’t understand how the passé simple is used and so don’t follow it’s use within this lesson.Why is it not passé compose using etre?Thanks for your assistance.

Accepted Answer

Hi J.M. 
The full expression is 'se fixer du regard' as in -

Les deux boxeurs se fixent du regard avant le match = The two boxers stare at each other before the match
Pendant la réunion le patron et l'employé se sont fixés du regard = During the meeting, the boss and the employee stared at each other

As for the use of the passé simple it is the equivalent of the passé composé in spoken language. It is more of a narrative tense used in literature, historical or journalistic writing and is sometimes used for dramatic effect. It did not shock me at all, just part of the story about 2 dogs.
If you want to know more about this tense please take a look at the following lesson - Le Passé Simple (Indicatif)
Bonne Continuation !

Answer

Bonjour J.M.The verb fixer means "to stare (fixedly)" and se fixer means "to stare at each other fixedly"This situation is not a completed action but ongoing while they measure each other up for a potential confrontation.This is why I see the imparfait as being appropriate Ils se fixaient .....(a report of an incomplete situation)You are correct that Ils se fixèrent is passé simple but again I don't think it is appropriate because the action is not a completed past situation.Hope this helps.Bonne journéeJim

Answer

Dear Jim, Thanks so much for your reply. I really appreciate this and it helps to understand things better. I guess the Kwiziq team will add further comments if they think otherwise. Best wishes, John