Tarasconin Tartarin
1872
A novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the life of Tartarin, a somewhat boastful and imaginative resident of the small town of Tarascon in France, known for his grandiose dreams of adventure, particularly hunting lions in Africa, despite having never left his hometown. The narrative explores themes of pride, imagination, and the contrasts between one's aspirations and reality. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to the protagonist, Tartarin, who is depicted as the beloved but somewhat deluded king of Tarascon, caught between his heroic aspirations and the mundane life of his village. The opening recounts an unforgettable visit to Tartarin's home, showcasing his lavish garden filled with exotic plants and his impressive collection of weapons. Despite outward appearances, he grapples with a deep longing for adventure and excitement, which ultimately leads to his decision to embark on a journey to hunt a lion. However, the opening chapters hilariously reveal the absurdity of his aspirations and set the stage for the humorous escapades that follow.
Editions
X-Ray
“El hombre del Mediodía no miente, se equivoca. No dice siempre la verdad, pero cree que la dice… Para él, su mentira no es mentira. Es una especie de espejismo…””
— Alphonse Daudet
“Veréis cómo explican ellos nuestra organización colonial… En lo alto, dicen, está mouci el gobernador, con una gran estaca para cascarle al estado mayor; el estado mayor, para vengarse, le casca al soldado; el soldado le casca al colono, el colono le casca al árabe, el árabe le casca al negro, el negro le casca al judío, el judío, a su vez, le casca al borriquillo, y el pobre borriquillo, como no tiene a nadie a quien cascar, alarga el espinazo y carga con todo. Como veréis, bien puede cargar con nuestros baúles.””
— Alphonse Daudet
“Par là-dessus, un grand soleil féroce qui faisait””
— Alphonse Daudet
