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Cover of Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 09

Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 09

Written by Jean de La Fontaine

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Fables, FrenchFrench poetry

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About this book

"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 09" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of short stories written in the 17th century, a period marked by the Baroque era in French literature. This volume includes three distinct tales: "Belphegor," "The Little Bell," and "The Glutton," which collectively explore themes of love, desire, human folly, and social critique through engaging narratives imbued with moral lessons and witty observations. In "Belphegor," the story follows the demon Belphegor as he is sent to Earth to observe human marriages, only to discover the discord and miseries that come with them, ultimately leading him to flee back to hell. "The Little Bell" tells of a naive youth who falls for a young girl, leading to a series of misunderstandings and dashed hopes. Finally, "The Glutton" presents a humorous tale about a sturgeon consumed by a glutton, whose excessive indulgence leads to dire consequences. Through these stories, La Fontaine deftly illustrates the complexity of human emotions, the pitfalls of excess, and the often humorous insights into society's vices.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 09, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 4 hours
  • intermediate
  • humorous
  • satirical
  • moralistic

Jean de La Fontaine's "Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 09" is a compelling collection of three 17th-century narratives: "Belphegor," "The Little Bell," and "The Glutton." These tales, set against the backdrop of the Baroque era, serve as witty vehicles for social critique and moral instruction, exploring the intricacies of human desire, folly, and societal vices. Through engaging plots, La Fontaine deftly illustrates the often-humorous yet profound consequences of human actions, from the disillusionment of marriage to the perils of excessive indulgence. The volume collectively offers a timeless commentary on human nature, presented with the author's characteristic charm and insightful observations.

“"Marriage, my friends, is a torment more fierce than any Hell can devise."”

Key themes

Human Folly and Vice
This is a central theme across all three tales. La Fontaine consistently highlights various human weaknesses: the vanity and extravagance of Belphegor's wife, the naive idealism of the youth in 'The Little Bell,' and the excessive indulgence of 'The Glutton.' He uses these characters to expose the irrationality and self-destructive nature of unchecked desires and poor judgment.
The Nature of Marriage
Primarily explored in 'Belphegor,' this theme offers a cynical and satirical view of marriage as an institution fraught with discord, financial ruin, and personal misery, particularly from the male perspective of the 17th century. It questions whether marriage brings happiness or only suffering.
Social Critique and Morality
La Fontaine uses his tales as a platform to critique societal norms, behaviors, and the moral failings of humanity. Each story delivers a clear moral lesson, often with a satirical edge, encouraging readers to reflect on their own conduct and the conventions of their society.

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