LES DEUX AMIS
by Jean de La Fontaine · from Fables de La Fontaine
Adapted Version
Once, in a small village, lived Leo and Max. They were best friends. They shared everything. Leo had nothing. It was also Max's. Max had nothing. It was also Leo's. They were very good friends. Their bond was strong.
One night, everyone was asleep. The moon shone bright. Leo was in his bed. He woke up fast. A bad feeling came to him. His heart felt sad. He thought of Max. He felt scared for his friend. This feeling was very strong. Leo could not sleep anymore.
Leo jumped out of bed. He put on his shoes. He ran out of his house. He ran very fast. He went to Max's house. Max lived nearby. Leo knocked on Max's door. He knocked very loudly. Max must wake up. Leo was very worried. He needed to see Max. He needed to know Max was safe.
Max opened his door. He looked sleepy. Then he saw Leo's face. Max looked surprised. "Leo, why are you here?" Max asked. "It is still night. Did you lose your toys? Do you need a warm blanket? Are you hungry? I can find you some food. Do you just need a hug? I can give you a big hug." Max was ready to help. He would help Leo always.
"No, Max," Leo said. "I am okay. My toys are safe. I am not cold. I am not hungry. I do not need a hug right now. I had a bad dream. The dream was about you. You looked very sad in my dream. I was scared for you. I ran here quickly. I needed to see you. I needed to know you were fine."
Max smiled at Leo. He gave Leo a big hug. Leo felt happy now. Max was safe. Good friends care for each other. They care very much. They feel when something is wrong. Even a bad dream can make them worry. They want their friends to be happy. This is what true friends do. They care for each other, always.
Original Story
LES DEUX AMIS.
Deux vrais amis vivoient au Monomotapa;
L’un ne possédoit rien qui n’appartînt à l’autre.
Les amis de ce pays-là
Valent bien, dit-on, ceux du nôtre.
Une nuit que chacun s’occupoit au sommeil,
Et mettoit à profit l’absence du soleil,
Un de nos deux amis sort du lit en alarme;
Il court chez son intime, éveille les valets:
Morphée avoit touché le seuil de ce palais.
L’ami couché s’étonne; il prend sa bourse, il s’arme,
Vient trouver l’autre, et dit: Il vous arrive peu
De courir quand on dort; vous me paroissiez homme
A mieux user du temps destiné pour le somme:
N’auriez-vous point perdu tout votre argent au jeu?
En voici. S’il vous est venu quelque querelle,
J’ai mon épée; allons. Vous ennuyez-vous point
De coucher toujours seul? Une esclave assez belle
Étoit à mes côtés; voulez-vous qu’on l’appelle?
Non, dit l’ami; ce n’est ni l’un ni l’autre point:
Je vous rends grâce de ce zèle.
Vous m’êtes, en dormant, un peu triste apparu:
J’ai craint qu’il ne fût vrai; je suis vite accouru.
Ce maudit songe en est la cause.
Qui d’eux aimoit le mieux? Que t’en semble, lecteur?
Cette difficulté vaut bien qu’on la propose.
Qu’un ami véritable est une douce chose!
Il cherche vos besoins au fond de votre cœur;
Il vous épargne la pudeur
De les lui découvrir vous-même:
Un songe, un rien, tout lui fait peur,
Quand il s’agit de ce qu’il aime.
XII
Story DNA
Moral
True friendship is characterized by deep empathy and a selfless readiness to help a friend, even based on a mere premonition.
Plot Summary
Two inseparable friends live in Monomotapa, sharing all their possessions. One night, one friend is disturbed by a troubling dream about the other and rushes to his friend's house. The awakened friend, assuming a real crisis, offers various forms of aid, from money to a sword for a duel. However, the first friend reveals that his urgent visit was solely due to the distressing dream. The fable concludes by praising the profound empathy and selfless concern that defines true friendship, which anticipates needs and fears for a loved one even without concrete reason.
Themes
Emotional Arc
concern to relief
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Jean de La Fontaine was a 17th-century French fabulist, known for his moralizing tales often featuring animals or allegorical characters. His fables frequently conclude with a direct moral statement or question.
Plot Beats (7)
- Two true friends, who share everything, live in Monomotapa.
- One night, while everyone is asleep, one friend wakes up in a state of alarm.
- He rushes to his intimate friend's house, waking the servants.
- The second friend, surprised but ready, arms himself and offers money, a sword for a quarrel, or even a female companion.
- The first friend declines all offers, explaining that his visit was caused by a sad dream he had about his friend.
- The narrator then poses a question to the reader about who loved whom more.
- The fable concludes by extolling the virtue of true friendship, which instinctively understands and fears for a friend's well-being, even without direct communication.
Characters
The Alarmed Friend
A man of average height and build, likely with features consistent with the Monomotapa region (southeastern Africa). His movements are quick and decisive when roused by concern.
Attire: During the day, he would wear practical, lightweight clothing suitable for the warm climate of Monomotapa, possibly a simple loincloth or wrap made of woven cotton or animal hide. When roused from sleep, he would likely be in a simple sleeping wrap or bare-chested.
Wants: To ensure the safety and happiness of his beloved friend, driven by a profound sense of loyalty and affection.
Flaw: Overly anxious; his fears can be triggered by something as insubstantial as a dream, leading to unnecessary alarm.
He doesn't undergo a significant change within the short narrative but demonstrates the depth of his existing character.
Deeply loyal, empathetic, proactive, and anxious when it comes to the well-being of his friend. He acts on instinct and love.
The Prepared Friend
A man of Monomotapan descent, likely of a sturdy build, reflecting a readiness for action. His movements are calm and deliberate, even when roused from sleep.
Attire: He would wear practical, comfortable clothing suitable for the warm climate, perhaps a simple wrap or tunic of woven cotton. When awakened, he quickly dons a more substantial garment, possibly a wrap or tunic, and arms himself.
Wants: To protect his friend and provide for any need, demonstrating his loyalty through practical assistance.
Flaw: Perhaps a slight tendency to assume practical problems (money, quarrels) before understanding the emotional depth of his friend's concern.
He doesn't change, but his actions reveal the depth of his loyalty and preparedness.
Resourceful, practical, calm under pressure, generous, and deeply caring. He anticipates needs and offers solutions readily.
Locations
Friend's Palace in Monomotapa
A grand palace, likely built with local materials like timber and thatch, possibly featuring intricate carvings or woven patterns, reflecting the architectural style of the historical Monomotapa Kingdom. It would have multiple chambers and a sleeping area for the master, as well as quarters for valets.
Mood: Initially peaceful and quiet due to sleep, then disturbed by urgent alarm and concern.
One friend, alarmed by a dream, rushes to the other's palace, waking him and his servants.