Images from Novels of J. de la Fontaine
La Fontaine, Jean de, 1621-1695
English
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Below is a summary of Images from Novels of J. de la Fontaine
THE TALES AND NOVELS
OF
J. DE LA FONTAINE
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LIFE OF
JEAN DE LA FONTAINE
Jean de La Fontaine was born on the 8th of July, 1621, atChateau-Thierry, and his family held a respectable position there.
His education was neglected, but he had received that genius which makesamends for all. While still young the tedium of society led him intoretirement, from which a taste for independence afterwards withdrew him.
He had reached the age of twenty-two, when a few sounds from the lyre ofMalherbe, heard by accident, awoke in him the muse which slept.
He soon became acquainted with the best models: Phoedrus, Virgil, Horaceand Terence amongst the Latins; Plutarch, Homer and Plato, amongst theGreeks; Rabelais, Marot and d'Urfe, amongst the French; Tasso, Ariostoand Boccaccio, amongst the Italians.
He married, in compliance with the wishes of his family, a beautiful,witty and chaste woman, who drove him to despair.
He was sought after and cherished by all distinguished men of letters.But it was two Ladies who kept him from experiencing the pangs ofpoverty.
La Fontaine, if there remain anything of thee, and if it be permitted tothee for a moment to soar above all time; see the names of La Sabliereand of Hervard pass with thine to the ages to come!
The life of La Fontaine was, so to speak, only one of continualdistraction. In the midst of society, he was absent from it. Regardedalmost as an imbecile by the crowd, this clever author, this amiable man,only permitted himself to be seen at intervals and by friends.
He had few books and few friends.
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