AVERTISSEMENT
by Jean de La Fontaine · from Fables de La Fontaine
Adapted Version
Hello, little friends! I have a new book for you. I am the story man. This book has many new stories. I made them just for you. I hope you like them very much. I want you to be happy.
These new stories feel a little new. My first stories were good too. But I wanted new ideas now. I wanted to make them new and fun. I like to try new things. It makes my books special. I worked hard on them.
My first stories were like Aesop's stories. Aesop wrote many old stories. They were very good. I did not want old kinds. I wanted to try new ideas. I did not want to repeat myself. It is good to have many kinds. Each story should be fresh.
I looked for new ways to make them special. I wanted them to be rich and fun. At times I made them a little longer. Sometimes I told them a new way. The story told me how to do it. I listened to the story.
You will see these changes. I think you will like them. You are very smart. I do not need to say more. You will know.
Many new stories come from a wise man. His name is Pilpay. Pilpay lived in India. He lived a very long, long time ago. His book of stories is very old. Many people read his book. His stories are very good. I thank Pilpay for his ideas. He helped me a lot.
I found good ideas in other old books. These books helped me too. They gave me more stories. I am happy for their help. They were very good.
I worked hard on these stories. I made them new and fun. I hope you enjoy them all! Please read them soon. It is good to try new things. It is good to thank people for ideas.
Original Story
AVERTISSEMENT
Voici un second recueil de Fables que je présente au public. J’ai jugé à propos de donner à la plupart de celles-ci un air et un tour un peu différent de celui que j’ai donné aux premières, tant à cause de la différence des sujets que pour remplir de plus de variété mon ouvrage. Les traits familiers que j’ai semés avec assez d’abondance dans les deux autres parties convenoient bien mieux aux inventions d’Ésope qu’à ces dernières, où j’en use plus sobrement, pour ne pas tomber en des répétitions; car le nombre de ces traits n’est pas infini. Il a donc fallu que j’aie cherché d’autres enrichissements, et étendu davantage les circonstances de ces récits, qui d’ailleurs me sembloient le demander de la sorte. Pour peu que le lecteur y prenne garde, il le reconnoîtra lui-même: ainsi je ne tiens pas qu’il soit nécessaire d’en étaler ici les raisons, non plus que de dire où j’ai puisé ces derniers sujets. Seulement je dirai, par reconnoissance, que j’en dois la plus grande partie à Pilpay, sage Indien. Son livre a été traduit en toutes les langues. Les gens du pays le croient fort ancien, et original à l’égard d’Ésope, si ce n’est Ésope lui-même sous le nom du sage Locman. Quelques autres m’ont fourni des sujets assez heureux. Enfin j’ai tâché de mettre en ces deux dernières parties toute la diversité dont j’étois capable.
A
Story DNA
Moral
An author should acknowledge their inspirations and strive for variety in their work.
Plot Summary
Jean de La Fontaine introduces his second collection of Fables, explaining that he has given them a different style and tone to achieve greater variety and suit the new subjects. He notes that the familiar traits of his earlier works were better suited to Aesop's fables, leading him to seek other enrichments for these new narratives. He gratefully acknowledges Pilpay, a wise Indian, as the primary source for most of these new subjects, and concludes by emphasizing his dedication to diversity in his work.
Themes
Emotional Arc
neutral to appreciative
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Jean de La Fontaine (1621–1695) was a famous French fabulist. This 'Avertissement' (Warning/Notice) serves as a preface to his second collection of Fables, published in 1678, where he consciously diversified his sources beyond Aesop to include Eastern tales like those attributed to Pilpay (Kalila and Dimna/Panchatantra).
Plot Beats (8)
- The author introduces his second collection of Fables.
- He explains that this new collection has a different style and tone compared to the first, aiming for variety.
- He clarifies that the familiar, abundant traits of his earlier works were better suited to Aesop's fables and were used more sparingly here to avoid repetition.
- He states he sought new ways to enrich the stories, extending their circumstances as the subjects demanded.
- He believes readers will notice these changes without further explanation.
- He expresses gratitude, revealing that most of the new subjects come from Pilpay, a wise Indian whose book is widely translated and considered ancient.
- He mentions other, unnamed sources that also provided successful subjects.
- He concludes by emphasizing his effort to bring maximum diversity to these two later parts of his work.
Characters
Jean de La Fontaine
A man of average height and build, likely in his middle to later years, with the refined but perhaps slightly world-weary appearance of a scholar and writer of 17th-century France. His hands might show the calluses of a quill pen.
Attire: Typical attire for a French man of letters in the late 17th century: a dark, tailored 'justaucorps' (long coat) made of wool or velvet, worn over a 'veste' (waistcoat) of a contrasting color, perhaps silk. He would wear 'culottes' (breeches) matching the coat, white linen shirt with lace cuffs, and buckled shoes. A simple cravat or jabot at the neck.
Wants: To enrich his work with variety, to acknowledge his sources, and to present his Fables in the best possible light to the public.
Flaw: Perhaps a tendency towards over-explanation or a slight defensiveness about his creative choices, though presented with humility.
In this specific text, he is presenting a continuation of his work, demonstrating an evolution in his style and a broadening of his influences, moving beyond solely Aesopic traditions.
Reflective, humble (despite his genius), analytical, appreciative of diverse sources, and dedicated to his craft.
Pilpay
As a legendary figure, he would appear as a wise, venerable Indian sage. His build would be slender, reflecting a life of contemplation rather than physical labor. His skin would be of a warm, deep brown tone.
Attire: Traditional Indian sage attire: a simple, flowing 'dhoti' or 'lungi' made of unbleached cotton, possibly with a 'uttariya' (shawl) draped over his shoulders. The fabric would be natural and unadorned, emphasizing humility and wisdom.
Wants: To impart wisdom and moral lessons through fables.
Flaw: Not applicable as he is presented as a historical/legendary source rather than an active character with flaws.
Remains a static, foundational figure, a wellspring of narrative inspiration.
Wise, ancient, influential, a source of profound moral teachings.
Aesop
As a legendary figure, he would appear as an ancient Greek fabulist. Traditionally depicted as a freed slave, he might have a humble but resilient build. His skin would be sun-kissed, typical of ancient Mediterranean people.
Attire: Simple ancient Greek attire: a 'chiton' (tunic) made of coarse linen or wool, possibly belted at the waist. His clothing would be practical and unadorned, reflecting his status as a storyteller rather than a nobleman.
Wants: To convey moral truths and practical wisdom through animal fables.
Flaw: Not applicable as he is presented as a historical/legendary source rather than an active character with flaws.
Remains a static, foundational figure, a wellspring of narrative inspiration.
Wise, insightful, foundational, a master of concise moral storytelling.
Locations
The Author's Study/Desk
A quiet, scholarly space where Jean de La Fontaine composes his fables, likely filled with books and writing implements. The atmosphere is one of contemplation and literary creation.
Mood: Scholarly, reflective, industrious, quiet.
The author is in the process of presenting his second collection of Fables to the public, reflecting on his creative process and sources.