H. C. for Life, That Is to Say...H. C. for Life, That Is to Say . . . is Derrida's literary critical recollection of his lifelong friendship with Hlne Cixous. The main figure that informs Derrida's reading here is that of "taking sides." While Hlne Cixous in her life and work takes the side of life, "for life," Derrida admits always feeling drawn to the side of death. Rather than being an obvious choice, taking the side of life is an act of faith, by wagering one's life on life. H.