Category: European Literature

This content will give an enlightenment on European literatures.

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Desiderius Erasmus The Praise of Folly as a Satire

“The Praise of Folly” by Desiderius Erasmus, published in 1511, is a satirical work that critiques the moral and social norms of the time by personifying Folly as a wise and powerful figure. Through the use of wit, irony, and humor, Erasmus exposes the hypocrisy and foolishness of society, particularly within the Catholic Church and the ruling elite. “The Praise of Folly” mocks and criticizes the prevailing beliefs and practices of his era.

One of the main ways in which Erasmus employs satire in his work is through the character of Folly herself. Folly is portrayed as a goddess who is oblivious to her own foolishness, yet she revels in her ability to deceive and manipulate others. It shows Machiavellian tendency in her nature itself. This serves as a commentary on the ignorance and arrogance of those in power who claim to possess wisdom and knowledge, but are actually driven by self-interest and vanity. For example, Folly boasts about her influence over various individuals, including scholars, theologians, and rulers, who blindly follow her teachings without questioning their validity.

Furthermore, Erasmus uses Folly to critique the corruption within the Catholic Church during the Renaissance. By highlighting the absurdities of religious practices and beliefs, such as indulgences and the cult of saints, he exposes the hypocrisy and moral decay of the clergy. For instance, Folly sarcastically praises the clergy for their piety and devotion to God, while simultaneously ridiculing their greed and hypocrisy. She also mentions the lavish lifestyle of the bishops who lead extravagant life because they are irreligious.This not only challenges the authority of the church but also calls into question the sincerity of those who claim to be righteous and holy.

Moreover, Erasmus employs satire to comment on the social hierarchy and power dynamics of his time. Folly mocks the nobility and the ruling class for their arrogance and sense of entitlement, while also critiquing the ignorance and gullibility of the common people who blindly follow their leaders. Through humorous anecdotes and exaggerated caricatures, Erasmus exposes the foolishness of those who wield power and influence, illustrating how their actions perpetuate inequality and injustice in society.

In addition, Erasmus uses satire to question the value of traditional education and intellectual pursuits. Folly criticizes scholars and philosophers for their obsession with logic and reason, arguing that true wisdom lies in folly and ignorance. By flipping conventional wisdom on its head, Erasmus challenges the prevailing beliefs of his time and encourages readers to re-evaluate their understanding of knowledge and truth. For example, Folly praises ignorance as a virtue, suggesting that it is better to be foolish and happy than to be wise and miserable.

In conclusion, “The Praise of Folly” is a powerful and incisive critique of the moral and social flaws of Renaissance society. Through the use of satire, Erasmus exposes the folly and corruption of those in power, while also challenging the prevailing beliefs and values of his era. By personifying Folly as a wise and cunning figure, he forces readers to confront their own ignorance and arrogance, encouraging them to question the status quo and strive for a more just and equitable society. In conclusion, “The Praise of Folly” is not only a work of satire, but also a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.

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Guy de Maupassant Tombstones Summary

The five friends, mature and wealthy, meet monthly to reminisce about their youth and have pleasant evenings together. Joseph de Bardon, one of the friends, is known for his wit and storytelling abilities. Joseph shares a story about visiting a cemetery in Montmartre, where he goes to visit the grave of a former lover.

While at the cemetery, Joseph encounters a woman in mourning who is deeply saddened by the loss of her husband. Joseph comforts the woman and they leave the cemetery together. They go to a restaurant and have a conversation about loneliness and the desire for companionship.

Joseph accompanies the woman to her home and they sit together on a sofa. Tempted by her beauty, Joseph kisses her, but she pushes him away and tells him to stop. The narrator kisses a woman who does not resist, and they share a glance that reassures him.

The narrator invites the woman to dine with him, and she initially hesitates but eventually agrees. They have an enjoyable dinner, and the woman becomes livelier after drinking champagne. Their friendship lasts for about three weeks before the narrator leaves on a journey.

The narrator thinks about the woman after a month and decides to visit the Montmartre Cemetery. While wandering in the cemetery, the narrator sees the woman in deep mourning with another man.

The woman discreetly signals the narrator not to recognize her and hints at meeting again. The man accompanying the woman is a distinguished officer of the Legion of Honor.

The narrator is amazed and wonders about the woman’s motives and whether there are others like her. The narrator is curious to know whose widow the woman was on that particular day.

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Guy de Maupassant Timbuctoo Summary

The story describes a vibrant scene on a boulevard in Paris during sunset, where a diverse crowd is illuminated by the golden light. An enormous, exuberant negro named Timbuctoo approaches two officers, one a commander and the other a colonel, and reminisces about their time together during the war of 1870.

Timbuctoo, a former prince from Timbuctoo, had a unique influence over a group of undisciplined soldiers, leading them on mysterious expeditions. The officers discover that Timbuctoo’s source of alcohol was a nearby vineyard, where he and his companions would consume grapes until they were intoxicated.

Despite his eccentric behavior, Timbuctoo’s infectious joy and larger-than-life personality leave a lasting impression on those around him. The narrator is called to witness a strange caravan approaching his location, led by Timbuctoo and his comrades. They are carrying severed heads and have adorned animals with similar heads.

The Africans had encountered a detachment of Prussians and instead of fleeing, they attacked and killed several officers. Timbuctoo’s motivation for fighting was not glory, but personal gain.

Timbuctoo has a large pocket called his “profonde” where he collects valuable items, especially those that glisten. He plans to take these items back to his homeland. The general, upon hearing of Timbuctoo’s act of valor, buries the headless bodies to hide the decapitation. In retaliation, the Prussians execute the mayor and seven other villagers.

As winter arrives, the narrator’s troops are exhausted and desperate. Timbuctoo brings the narrator meat, but the narrator suspects it may be human flesh and declines future presents.

Timbuctoo shows his devotion to the narrator by giving him his cape to keep warm. When the narrator tries to return it, Timbuctoo threatens to cut it with his sharpened sword.

Eventually, the troops surrender to the Germans. The narrator encounters Timbuctoo, who has opened a restaurant called “Restaurant Timbuctoo” and proudly serves food made from captured Prussians.

Despite the despair of losing their town to the Germans, the narrator finds humor in Timbuctoo’s new enterprise and considers it a form of retaliation.

Guy de Maupassant Tombstones Summary

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Guy de Maupassant After Summary

The story revolves around a conversation between the Comtesse and the Abbe Mauduit, where the Abbe shares his reasons for choosing a life of priesthood over marriage and family. The Abbe reveals that his sensitive nature and early experiences led him to fear life’s inevitable sorrows and sufferings.

He recounts a poignant story of his deep attachment to a dog named Sam, whose tragic death made him realize the extent of his emotional vulnerability. This event prompted him to choose a life of service to others, as he believed it would shield him from direct emotional pain.

The Abbe’s narrative highlights the profound impact of early experiences on shaping one’s outlook on life and relationships. His extreme sensitivity and fear of suffering led him to seek a path of selflessness and compassion, despite the ongoing emotional struggles he faces.

The Abbe’s story serves as a reflection on the complexities of human emotions and the choices individuals make to navigate life’s challenges.

The Comtesse’s response, expressing her reliance on her grandchildren for the courage to live, adds another layer to the discussion on the importance of relationships and connections in finding meaning and strength in life.

The Abbe’s departure at the end of the conversation symbolizes his acceptance of his chosen path and the solitude that comes with it.

The story prompts contemplation on the different ways individuals cope with life’s uncertainties and hardships, and the role of relationships in providing solace and purpose.

Guy de Maupassant Timbuctoo Summary

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Guy de Maupassant A Warning Note Summary

The letter received by the writer details a conversation with a married woman who reveals her thoughts on relationships and infidelity. The woman expresses her views on how men and women interact in secret, highlighting the differences between timid men and bold seducers.

She shares her experiences of deception and infidelity, emphasizing the thrill and danger involved. The woman’s candid revelations shock the writer, prompting him to question societal norms and the nature of relationships.

The writer is left feeling conflicted and disturbed by the woman’s nonchalant attitude towards infidelity and deception. The conversation serves as a warning to husbands and a call to action for greater awareness and vigilance in relationships. The writer’s internal struggle reflects a broader societal concern about trust, fidelity, and the complexities of human interactions.

The narrator witnesses a woman throwing her glass at a chandelier during a fit of anger, causing a mess in the dining room. The woman then tries to do the same with a bottle, but the narrator stops her. The woman bursts into tears, indicating a nervous fit.

The narrator later attends a party with a woman recommended by his mistress. He offers to drive her home and contemplates making a move on her. With a surge of courage, he compliments her appearance, but she responds with amusement.

The narrator struggles to find a suitable response but eventually admits he never dared to tell her before. The woman is surprised and encourages him to always compliment women.

The narrator attempts to kiss her but fails, as she avoids contact and warns him about her styled hair. The woman thanks him for escorting her home and advises him not to forget her advice. The narrator continues to think about men who are more successful with women.

Guy de Maupassant After Summary

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Guy de Maupassant The Oliver Grove Summary

The story describes the arrival of Abbé Vilbois, a priest with a colorful past, in the village of Garandou. Despite his adventurous appearance and past as a society man, he has found solace in the priesthood after a tumultuous love affair with an actress.

The priest’s transformation from a man of passion to a man of faith is highlighted, as he seeks refuge in prayer and devotion after the betrayal of his lover. His dedication to the Church and his community is evident, as he uses his fortune to support charitable causes and help the less fortunate.

Despite his past, the Abbé remains a complex character, torn between his former life and his newfound calling. His journey from a man of the world to a humble village priest is a testament to the transformative power of faith and redemption.

The sailor who followed the priest refrains from talking due to the priest’s prestige. The priest enjoys his lodge, a small pink structure surrounded by olive trees. The priest asks his servant, Marguerite, to broil a sunfish for him. Marguerite informs the priest that a man came to see him three times.

The man approaching the priest reveals a photograph of the priest, claiming to be his son. The priest initially denies having a child, but the man insists that his mother, now deceased, told him the truth. The priest suggests discussing the matter further and they walk through an olive grove.

The priest asks about the mother’s death and why the man didn’t find him earlier. The man explains that he was unable to find the priest and mentions his hunger. The priest shows pity and they go to have dinner together, with the servant’s disapproval.

The tramp, referred to as Philippe-Auguste, is eating with the abbé, who has lost his appetite. Philippe-Auguste reveals that he is the abbé’s son, but was raised to believe he was the child of another man. Philippe-Auguste explains that his mother deceived the abbé by making him believe that Philippe-Auguste was his rival’s child. However, when Philippe-Auguste started to resemble the abbé, his mother’s lover disclaimed him.

The abbé is distressed by the moral divergencies between himself, Philippe-Auguste, and his rival. He prays for mercy and wants to hear all the details to confirm if Philippe-Auguste is truly his son. Philippe-Auguste reveals that his mother lived with the abbé’s rival for over thirty years. He describes the arguments between his mother and her lover, where the abbé was mentioned but never by name.

The abbé asks about his mother’s death, and Philippe-Auguste reveals that she died of consumption after being ill for eighteen months. The abbé reflects on how he had buried her in forgetfulness but now desires to know more. Philippe-Auguste explains that he was treated well at first but poorly later on. His mother and her lover sent him to a reformatory when he was sixteen to get rid of him. He shares stories of his adventures since leaving the reformatory, including a prank that resulted in the death of a family.

Philippe-Auguste claims to have committed worse offenses to avenge the abbé. The abbé is terrified and stops eating, but Philippe-Auguste insists on sharing his latest offense. The abbé calls for the dessert and a lamp, and instructs Marguerite, the servant, to leave and not return until summoned. The abbé is now ready to hear Philippe-Auguste’s story.

Philippe-Auguste calmly enjoyed his dessert and wine, revealing his dark past of revenge against his father. His mother, Rosette, confessed on her deathbed that his father was the Baron de Vilbois, now a priest. Philippe sought revenge on his father, the Count, by torturing him and stealing money.

The priest, Abbé Vilbois, enraged by his son’s actions, banished him with a threat of consequences if disobeyed. A confrontation ensued, leading to a physical struggle in the dark, resulting in a sudden and eerie silence. The priest’s anger subsided, replaced by contemplation in the darkness, as a sense of foreboding filled the room.

Marguerite, a servant, comes running out of the kitchen and is frightened by the intense darkness outside. She calls for the priest, but there is no response. Marguerite is hesitant to enter the room but eventually gathers the courage to fetch a lamp from the kitchen. She discovers a tramp sleeping against the wall, a broken lamp, and the priest’s unconscious body under the table. Marguerite realizes that the floor is covered in blood and becomes terrified.

She drops the lamp and flees to the village, screaming for help. A group of men from the village forms a rescue party and heads to the lodge. They use lanterns to navigate through the olive grove and find the lodge. Marguerite is supported by the men as she is unable to walk properly.

The rescue party enters the lodge and discovers blood covering the floor, the tramp, and the bodies of the father and son. The drunken son is handcuffed by the gendarmes, and it is suggested that he was too intoxicated to escape. The mayor and others do not consider the possibility that the priest may have taken his own life.

Guy de Maupassant A Warning Note Summary

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Guy de Maupassant The Peddler Summary

The story explores the significance of seemingly insignificant events in shaping our understanding of life’s truths. It delves into the narrator’s reminiscences of chance encounters and the impact they had on his perception.

The vivid description of a summer day in Savoy by the Lake of Bourget sets the scene for a chance meeting with a peddler, triggering memories of a similar encounter in the past. The interaction between the narrator and the peddler unfolds as they walk together in the night, sharing personal stories and fears.

The peddler’s openness about his life, business, and marriage contrasts with the narrator’s guarded responses, hinting at underlying suspicions and uncertainties.

Despite initial wariness, the narrator’s perception of the peddler shifts as they near Asnieres, leading to an unexpected invitation to the peddler’s home. There is a gesture of gratitude and camaraderie, highlighting the fleeting yet profound connections that can be forged through chance encounters.

The narrator initially declines an invitation but is persuaded to follow the person who invited him to a dilapidated house on the outskirts of the suburbs.

The house appears suspicious, but he enters and are led to a small room by the person who invited him. The person goes to wake up his wife and fetch wine from the cellar, leaving the narrator alone in the room.

The narrator becomes suspicious when he hears low voices and movement in the room where the wife is supposed to be sleeping. He fears he may have fallen into a trap and prepare for a fight, but a man’s head appears through the door and quickly leaves.

The husband returns with wine and asks if his wife is still asleep, suspecting that she may have been awake the whole time. The husband suggests they drink together, but the narrator only has one glass before deciding to leave.

The husband becomes angry and insists that his wife open the door once the narrator is gone. The narrator leaves, realizing that he has witnessed a scene from the eternal drama of relationships and deception.

The story portrays a tense and suspicious encounter between the narrator, the person who invited him, and the husband’s wife. It highlights themes of trust, deception, and the complexities of human relationships.

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Guy de Maupassant Relics of the Past Summary

The narrator is alone in the house where he was born, lived, and hope to die. Despite occasional sadness, he finds comfort in the familiar surroundings and memories of his loved ones.

The narrator reflects on the nature of happiness and how women are often taught to believe too much in it. He has come to understand that true happiness lies in the endless illusion of hopeful expectations, rather than the fulfillment of grand desires.

The narrator spends his time dreaming and reminiscing. He has two ways of doing this: sitting by the fire and looking back at the past, and exploring the “lumber-room” filled with forgotten objects that hold significance and evoke memories.

The narrator finds joy in reliving past experiences through his dreams. He vividly recall moments from his youth, such as watching a sunset on Mont Saint-Michel and riding through the forest of Uville on horseback.

The “lumber-room” contains objects that have been overlooked for years but now hold sentimental value. These objects, even if insignificant to others, represent relics of the past and evoke emotions and memories for the narrator.

The narrator acknowledges that his Parisian friend may not fully understand his attachment to the past and the significance of living and dying in the same house. He expresses a desire to hear about his friend’s life and experiences.

In summary, the story explores themes of solitude, nostalgia, the nature of happiness, and the significance of familiar objects in evoking memories. The narrator finds solace in his memories and dreams, cherishing the past while acknowledging the passage of time.

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Guy de Maupassant Duchoux Summary

The Baron de Mordiane is feeling cold and sad after leaving a club and losing money. He is tired of his monotonous and unfulfilling life as an old bachelor. He longs for something tranquil and comfortable but does not want to get married.

He remembers his son, whom he had fathered in the past and wants to reconnect with him. The Baron decides to travel to Marseilles to see his son and his family. He notices his own aging appearance and desires rest and to spend time with his grandchildren.

Upon arriving at his son’s house, he mistakes a young boy for his grandson but realizes he is the gardener’s son. There is a description of laundry hanging outside the house.

The story then describes a meeting between the baron and M. Duchoux, an architect. The baron seeks to purchase building ground near Marseilles. Duchoux, a proud father of three sons, offers various options.

The baron is reminded of a past lover and their child, who was taken away at birth. The baron is disturbed by the resemblance between Duchoux and his lost love. The meeting ends with plans to view the land the next day.

The baron is haunted by memories and the scent of garlic, which reminds him of his past. The encounter leaves him shaken and eager to leave.

The story ends with the baron reflecting on the past and present, haunted by memories of lost love and the passage of time.

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Guy de Maupassant The Orderly Summary

The story takes place at a cemetery where Colonel Limousin’s wife has just been buried after drowning in a bath two days prior.

Colonel Limousin is devastated by his wife’s death and refuses to leave the gravesite, despite the efforts of his fellow officers to console him. General Ormont intervenes and convinces Colonel Limousin to return to his quarters.

Upon returning to his study, Colonel Limousin finds a letter from his deceased wife, confessing her infidelity and explaining the circumstances surrounding her affair. The letter reveals that Colonel Limousin’s orderly, Philippe, had discovered the affair and threatened to expose it unless the wife complied with his desires.

Fearing the consequences and out of desperation, the wife gave in to Philippe’s demands and continued the affair with him. The wife expresses remorse and acknowledges her wrongdoing, ultimately deciding to take her own life.

Colonel Limousin, upon reading the letter, confronts Philippe and demands to know the name of his wife’s lover. Philippe reveals that Captain Saint-Albert was the lover, but before he can say more, Colonel Limousin shoots him dead.

The story include the themes of betrayal, guilt, and the devastating consequences of infidelity. The story highlights the emotional turmoil experienced by Colonel Limousin upon discovering his wife’s affair and the tragic outcome that ensues. It also explores the complex dynamics of trust and loyalty within relationships.

Guy de Maupassant Duchoux Summary

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