Le Roman Bourgeois: Ouvrage Comique

''Le roman bourgeois: Ouvrage comique'' by Antoine Furetière is a comedic novel likely written in the late 17th century. The work provides a satirical portrayal of the lives, loves, and social interactions of the bourgeois of Paris. It aims to reflect and critique the behaviors and social status of this emerging class, focusing on various characters, including an advocate named Nicodème and a young woman named Javotte. The opening of the novel sets the stage by introducing a humorous narrative style, where Furetière prepares to tell the stories of ordinary Parisian bourgeois characters, devoid of the grandeur found in typical heroic tales. He dismisses the need for flowery descriptions and dramatic invocations common to the literary style of his time. The narrative then shifts to a bustling scene at the Place Maubert, where various events unfold involving young men and women, leading to the budding romance between Nicodème and Javotte. The initial interactions are characterized by misunderstandings and comedic exchanges, illustrating the social dynamics and awkward romance typical of the bourgeois life Furetière intends to critique.