Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 17

audiobook

Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 17

by Jean de La Fontaine

EN·~19 minutes

Chapters

Description

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.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~19 minutes (18K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2004-03-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

Jean de La Fontaine

Jean de La Fontaine

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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