Births on May 6

Alain-René Lesage, French author and playwright (d. 1747)

Alain-René Lesage (pronounced [al&#xɛ;̃ Ȣ ʀəne ləsaʒȢ), also known by the older spelling Le Sage, was a prominent French novelist and playwright whose insightful observations and sharp wit left an indelible mark on 18th-century European literature. Born on May 6, 1668, in Sarzeau, Brittany, he embarked on a literary career that would see him become one of the most celebrated satirists and storytellers of his era, passing away on November 17, 1747.

Lesage's journey into the world of letters was not entirely straightforward. Initially, he pursued legal studies in Paris, even serving as an advocate, which provided him with a keen understanding of society's inner workings and the human foibles he would later so brilliantly satirize. However, his true calling lay in writing. He began by translating Spanish plays, a connection that would deeply influence his own original works, particularly in the adoption of the picaresque tradition which was flourishing in Spain.

What set Lesage apart was his remarkable ability to blend incisive social commentary with engaging narratives. His works are often characterized by realism, humor, and a satirical edge that exposed the hypocrisies and pretensions of society, from the financial elite to the nobility and even the clergy. He was a master of character development, creating memorable figures who, despite their flaws, felt remarkably human. His narratives frequently explore themes of ambition, corruption, class distinctions, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals navigating a complex world.

Masterpieces of a Literary Giant

The Devil upon Two Sticks (Le Diable boiteux, 1707)

One of Lesage's early successes, The Devil upon Two Sticks (originally Le Diable boiteux, meaning "The Lame Devil"), published in 1707, cemented his reputation as a formidable satirist. This ingenious comic novel draws inspiration from Luis Vélez de Guevara's Spanish work El Diablo Cojuelo. The story follows a young student named Don Cleofas who releases Asmodeus, a mischievous demon, from a bottle. In gratitude, Asmodeus lifts the roofs off the houses of Madrid, revealing the secret lives, follies, and intrigues of its inhabitants. Through this fantastical premise, Lesage offered a panoramic and biting satire of 18th-century French and Spanish society, critiquing everything from marital infidelity to professional deceit, with a unique blend of wit and moral observation.

Turcaret (1709)

Two years later, in 1709, Lesage achieved a theatrical triumph with his acclaimed comedy, Turcaret. This play is a sharp social satire that targets the avarice and unscrupulous practices of financiers and tax farmers (known as fermiers généraux) during the ancien régime. The titular character, Turcaret, is a wealthy but crude financier who is easily duped by a cunning marquise, who in turn is exploited by her own servants. The play’s unflinching portrayal of greed and corruption among the newly rich and their manipulative hangers-on resonated deeply with audiences, but also sparked considerable controversy among the powerful financiers it lampooned. Its success led to Lesage's eventual break with the Comédie-Française over disagreements regarding control and author's rights, pushing him towards the more popular and free stages of the Parisian fairs.

The History of Gil Blas of Santillane (L'Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane, 1715–1735)

Lesage's magnum opus, The History of Gil Blas of Santillane (often simply called Gil Blas), published in installments between 1715 and 1735, is widely regarded as his greatest achievement and a cornerstone of the picaresque novel tradition in French literature. While inspired by the Spanish pícaro (rogue) narratives, Lesage uniquely adapted the genre to a more refined, less overtly cynical, and profoundly French sensibility. The novel chronicles the episodic adventures of Gil Blas, a young man from humble beginnings, as he navigates the complex social landscape of Spain. Through a series of varied employments – as a valet, a doctor's assistant, a secretary, and even a minister's favorite – Gil Blas encounters a vast array of characters from every social class, from highwaymen to nobles. His journey is a continuous process of learning from experience, observing human nature in all its guises, and gradually developing a moral compass. The novel is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of society, its gentle irony, and its profound psychological insights into human ambition, vanity, and virtue, making it a foundational work in the development of the European novel.

Alain-René Lesage's contributions extended beyond his immediate literary triumphs. He is credited with popularizing the picaresque novel in France, influencing subsequent generations of writers across Europe. His sharp satirical eye and realistic depictions of society served as a model for authors seeking to critique social norms and human behavior through engaging storytelling. His works continue to be read for their enduring wit, their vivid characters, and their timeless commentary on the human condition, securing his place as a pivotal figure in the transition from classical French literature to the Enlightenment's emphasis on realism and social critique.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alain-René Lesage

What is Alain-René Lesage best known for?

Alain-René Lesage is primarily celebrated for his significant contributions to the novel and theatre, particularly his comic novel The Devil upon Two Sticks (1707), his sharp social comedy Turcaret (1709), and his monumental picaresque novel The History of Gil Blas of Santillane (1715–1735).

What literary genre is Lesage most associated with?

Lesage is most strongly associated with the picaresque novel, a genre he masterfully adapted and popularized in French literature. His work often features a "pícaro" or rogue protagonist navigating various social strata and observing the world through their experiences.

What makes Gil Blas an important work?

Gil Blas is considered a landmark in European literature because it refined the picaresque genre, offered a panoramic and realistic portrayal of 18th-century society, and provided deep psychological insights into human nature. Its episodic structure and focus on the protagonist's moral development significantly influenced the novel's evolution.

Did Lesage primarily write novels or plays?

While he was a prolific playwright and achieved early success with plays like Turcaret, Lesage is arguably best remembered and most influential for his novels, especially Gil Blas, which solidified his reputation as a novelist.

How did Spanish literature influence Lesage?

Spanish literature played a crucial role in shaping Lesage's work. He began his career by translating Spanish plays, and his major novels, The Devil upon Two Sticks and Gil Blas, both drew significant inspiration from Spanish picaresque narratives and satirical traditions.