Au Lecteur
by Unknown · from Vie privée et publique des animaux
Adapted Version
Hello, dear friend! We have a special message for you. We are happy you are here. We are in the middle of our story. Half of our book is done now. You came with us. Thank you for this fun trip.
We are good guides now. We know the way well. Monkey friend is smart. Parrot friend talks well. Rooster friend is strong. We will help you. You will like the rest of the book. We promise you fun times. We will make sure you smile.
We have more fun things for you. Our friends write better stories. They draw super pictures too. We have many new ideas. You will see great wonders. We have many treasures for you. It will be so good. You will love what we have planned.
Our artist friend draws for us. He draws great pictures. You will see your friends. You will see your neighbors. He can draw you too. You will see yourself in his art. It is a big surprise. He is a very good artist. His pictures make us happy.
He has a new secret way. He puts black on white. This is just for you. You are a dear reader. He did not do this before. It is very special for you. You will see it soon. It is a true gift.
Goodnight now, you dear reader. Go to your home. Make your bed cozy. Snuggle up tight in bed. Be safe and warm. We want you to rest. Sweet dreams to you. Sleep well and feel good.
Each day is new. New things happen all the time. At times the sky is sunny. At times the sky has clouds. But the next day is a new day. New things wait for us. We will find them with us. We will have fun.
Sleep well, little friend. Have many good dreams. We will see you the next day. We have more fun stories. We have more pictures. Goodnight for now. We can't wait to share them.
From your friends, Monkey friend. From Parrot friend. From Rooster friend. They are your helpers. And our helper, P. J. Stahl. He makes sure it is right. He helps us a lot.
Original Story
AU LECTEUR
Ami lecteur, nous voici arrivés sans encombre à la moitié de notre route.
Suivez-nous avec confiance dans la seconde partie de notre expédition: nous ne marchons plus en voyageurs inexpérimentés et sans guide à travers des pays inconnus, nous savons maintenant où nous prétendons vous mener; nous connaissons vos goûts, et nous pouvons vous promettre, sans crainte de vous tromper et de nous tromper, de véritables monts et de véritables merveilles. La plume de nos correspondants s’est aguerrie, leur nombre s’est augmenté; nous avons gagné en toutes choses, en quantité et même en qualité, et nous avons à vous offrir presque des trésors!
Quant à Grandville, sans compter qu’il y a au bout de son crayon des portraits et des scènes où vous aurez le plaisir de retrouver ceux de vos amis et de vos voisins que vous n’avez point encore vus, et où, de leur côté, vos amis et vos voisins auront la satisfaction de vous reconnaître vous-même, nous croyons devoir vous confier qu’il a découvert une nouvelle manière de mettre du noir sur du blanc et de vous être agréable, à vous, cher lecteur, et à vous, chère lectrice, qui nous l’êtes tant, en faisant pour vous ce qu’il n’a encore fait pour personne.—Vous verrez bien.
Bonsoir donc, ami lecteur; rentrez chez vous, tenez pour ce soir votre cage bien fermée, on ne sait pas ce qui peut arriver. Les nuits les plus paisibles peuvent finir par un orage. Qui sait si nous n’allons pas dormir sur un volcan? Un sage l’a dit: Les révolutions ne dorment jamais que d’un œil. Quoi qu’il en puisse être, dormez bien, faites de bons rêves, et à demain.
Le Singe, le Perroquet et le Coq,
Rédacteurs en chef.
Pour copie conforme:
P. J. Stahl.
Bonsoir donc, ami lecteur; rentrez chez vous.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
The editorial 'we' addresses the reader, announcing they are halfway through their publication's journey and are now more experienced and better equipped. They promise enhanced content, quality, and quantity from their correspondents, specifically highlighting the unique and special artistic contributions of Grandville. The piece concludes with a goodnight message, a playful warning about the unpredictability of life and the constant nature of change, and a promise to meet again tomorrow, signed by whimsical animal editors and P. J. Stahl.
Themes
Emotional Arc
anticipation to reassurance
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This text likely served as an editorial introduction or interlude in a serialized publication, possibly illustrated by Grandville, common in 19th-century France. P. J. Stahl was a pseudonym for Pierre-Jules Hetzel, a prominent French editor and publisher known for his collaborations with authors like Jules Verne and for publishing illustrated works.
Plot Beats (9)
- The editorial 'we' greets the reader, noting they are halfway through their journey.
- They assure the reader of their newfound experience and guidance for the second half.
- They promise improved content, quality, and quantity from their correspondents.
- They introduce Grandville's artistic contributions, including portraits where readers will recognize friends and themselves.
- They reveal Grandville has discovered a new, special artistic method exclusively for the readers.
- The editors bid the reader goodnight, advising them to secure their homes.
- They issue a cautionary note about the unpredictability of nights and the constant nature of revolutions.
- They wish the reader good sleep and dreams, promising a reunion tomorrow.
- The piece is signed by 'Le Singe, le Perroquet et le Coq, Rédacteurs en chef' and attested by P. J. Stahl.
Characters
Ami Lecteur
Average height and build, with no specific distinguishing features mentioned, suggesting a relatable everyman figure.
Attire: Typical 19th-century French bourgeois or working-class attire: a dark wool coat, a waistcoat, a simple cravat, and trousers. Practical and unassuming.
Wants: To be entertained, informed, and to find enjoyment in the stories presented by the editors.
Flaw: Perhaps a bit naive or easily swayed by promises of 'treasures' and 'wonders.'
Remains largely unchanged, serving as the constant recipient of the story's address.
Curious, trusting, engaged, and somewhat impressionable. He is open to new experiences and enjoys being entertained.
Chère Lectrice
Average height and slender build, reflecting a typical 19th-century French woman of the reading class.
Attire: A modest 19th-century French day dress, perhaps made of cotton or light wool, with a high neckline and long sleeves, in a muted color like blue, green, or brown. A simple apron might be worn over it.
Wants: To find enjoyment and perhaps a touch of romance or intellectual stimulation in the stories.
Flaw: Possibly a tendency towards sentimentality or a preference for gentler narratives.
Remains largely unchanged, serving as a secondary, yet valued, recipient of the story's address.
Attentive, appreciative, and perhaps a bit more discerning than her male counterpart. She values pleasant experiences.
Le Singe
A medium-sized monkey, agile and expressive, with dark fur and nimble fingers. Perhaps a macaque or similar species common in illustrations of the era.
Attire: No clothing, or perhaps a small, decorative, human-like accessory like a tiny cravat or spectacles, indicating his role as a 'rédacteur en chef.'
Wants: To contribute to the publication, likely enjoying the intellectual stimulation and the attention it brings.
Flaw: Potentially easily distracted or prone to playful antics that might disrupt serious work.
Remains consistent, a steadfast member of the editorial team.
Clever, mischievous, and perhaps a bit impish. He represents the playful and unpredictable aspect of the editorial team.
Le Perroquet
A large, colorful parrot, likely a macaw or African Grey, known for its ability to mimic human speech. Vibrant plumage.
Attire: No clothing, but perhaps a small, decorative element like a tiny scholar's cap or a ribbon, signifying its editorial role.
Wants: To contribute to the publication through its ability to repeat and perhaps rephrase information, adding a unique 'voice' to the editorial process.
Flaw: Its contributions might be limited to what it has heard or learned, lacking true originality.
Remains consistent, a steadfast member of the editorial team.
Observant, articulate (through mimicry), and perhaps a bit pompous. It represents the voice and memory of the editorial team.
Le Coq
A magnificent rooster, with iridescent feathers, a proud comb, and strong legs. Its plumage would be rich and varied.
Attire: No clothing, but perhaps a small, symbolic accessory like a tiny medal or a ribbon, indicating its authority and punctuality.
Wants: To ensure the timely delivery of content and to assert its presence and importance in the editorial process.
Flaw: Potentially overly proud or prone to making a lot of noise.
Remains consistent, a steadfast member of the editorial team.
Assertive, punctual, and perhaps a bit boastful. It represents the authoritative and timely aspect of the editorial team, signaling new beginnings.
Grandville
Likely a man of average build, perhaps with the slightly stooped posture of an artist often bent over his work. No specific features are given, allowing for a representation of a typical 19th-century illustrator.
Attire: Practical 19th-century artist's attire: a dark, perhaps slightly ink-stained, smock or jacket over a simple shirt, and dark trousers. Comfortable but professional.
Wants: To create compelling illustrations that resonate with the readers, and to innovate in his artistic techniques.
Flaw: Perhaps overly absorbed in his work, potentially neglecting other aspects of life.
Remains consistent, a master of his craft who continues to innovate.
Innovative, observant, and dedicated to his craft. He is creative and seeks new ways to engage his audience.
P. J. Stahl
No specific details are given, suggesting a typical 19th-century French man, perhaps a publisher or editor, with a formal and professional appearance.
Attire: Formal 19th-century business attire: a dark suit, a starched white shirt, and a tie or cravat. Professional and understated.
Wants: To ensure the accuracy and official nature of the publication, acting as a formal witness or publisher.
Flaw: Not applicable, as his role is purely administrative.
Remains consistent, a formal signatory.
Professional, responsible, and meticulous, ensuring the proper documentation and publication of the work.
Locations
The Reader's Home
A private, secure dwelling where the reader retires for the night, implying a cozy and familiar setting.
Mood: Initially peaceful and secure, but with an underlying sense of unease and anticipation for future events.
The reader is advised to return home, secure their 'cage', and prepare for sleep, while being warned of potential unseen dangers or 'revolutions' that might disrupt the peace.