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

A collection of narratives that embody the wit and humor characteristic of the author, likely written in the 17th century during the French classical period. This volume includes three distinct tales: ''The Progress of Wit,'' ''The Sick Abbess,'' and ''The Truckers,'' all of which showcase La Fontaine's ingenious use of fables and moral lessons often intertwined with social commentary. The central theme revolves around human behavior and societal norms, often with a satirical undertone that highlights the follies and follies of people. In ''The Progress of Wit,'' a young girl named Alice seeks to acquire wit from a friar, leading to a humorous encounter that reveals the nature of learning and innocence. ''The Sick Abbess'' tells the story of an abbess whose illness is humorously linked to her reluctance to engage with the opposite sex, ultimately leading to a scandalous yet enlightening resolution. Lastly, ''The Truckers'' explores the absurdity of villagers deciding to trade their wives for variety, which culminates in both humorous consequences and moral dilemmas regarding relationships and desires. Together, these tales reflect La Fontaine's keen eye for the absurdities of human nature and the societal norms of his time.