
A lively trio of short stories awaits, each turning a keen eye toward the quirks of human folly. In the first tale, a clever young woman named Alice ventures into a convent seeking the secret of “wit,” only to find the lesson delivered through a series of playful, risqué exchanges with a monk. The dialogue crackles with wit and double‑meaning, offering a glimpse into the mischievous side of early‑modern satire.
The second story, “The Sick Abbess,” shifts tone to a more somber, yet still gently humorous, portrait of a religious house grappling with illness and superstition. Finally, “The Truckers” introduces a bustling world of itinerant workers, whose earthy humor and vivid anecdotes paint a bustling picture of everyday life on the road.
Together, these narratives blend sharp social commentary with lively dialogue, inviting listeners to explore a past where comedy and critique walked hand in hand. The collection’s charm lies in its ability to entertain while subtly exposing the absurdities of its characters’ world.
Language
en
Duration
~19 minutes (18K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-03-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1621–1695
Best known for the lively fables that turned talking animals into sharp little lessons, this 17th-century French writer mixed wit, rhythm, and a clear-eyed view of human nature. His stories have stayed popular for centuries because they are playful on the surface and surprisingly observant underneath.
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by Jean de La Fontaine

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