Book: Tales

Introduction
"Tales" is a collection of short stories and amusing stories created by French poet Jean de La Fontaine in 1665. Although La Fontaine is best understood for his "Fables", "Tales" is a considerable job showing his adaptability as an author. With themes varying from amusing to erotic, there is a story for every reader's taste. This collection is separated into 4 components, each having varying numbers of tales. The tales in guide are influenced by various sources, including Greek and Roman mythology, Eastern myths, and also modern French culture.

Hedonism and also Earthly Pleasures
Many of the tales in La Fontaine's collection center on the search of sensual as well as earthly satisfaction. Personalities delight in decadent dishes, stunning clothing, as well as sensual encounters. La Fontaine puts in the time to define these scenes thoroughly, welcoming a hedonistic worldview where individuals must focus on indulgence and enjoyment of life.

In "The Two Friends", for instance, the protagonists celebrate an intense friendship by throwing a luxurious banquet. The tale "Onuphrius" explores themes of lust and need, highlighting exactly how a pious, though lecherous monk stops working to withstand the attractive young Onphale. Likewise, in "The Case of Conscience", the protagonist, a lascivious clergyman, cherishes in his lustful experiences with women.

Deceptiveness and also Tricks
Another main motif in La Fontaine's "Tales" is deception as well as techniques. Personalities utilize cunning methods to outwit, manipulate, and take advantage of others. In "The Cobbler and the Financier", for instance, the shrewd shoemaker tricks the hoggish as well as corrupt sponsor for his benefit. At the same time, in "The Mugger", a prank intensifies when an inexperienced thief is forced to swipe from the very people who deceive and ridicule him.

Interestingly, deceptiveness as well as hoax frequently arise in the context of love or lust. In "The Fiancé", a young couple tricks their parents by utilizing a clever strategy to invest the evening together. In a similar way, in "The Marriage in Secret", a lady as well as her enthusiast deceive her husband to wed in secret while he is away.

Principles and also Wisdom
While indulgence, deception, and hoax abound, La Fontaine's "Tales" also explores morality and knowledge. The collection has a number of fables, tales with a clear moral lesson, originated from Greek as well as Roman mythology. For example, "The Education of Jupiter" is a fable that vouches for the value of learning humbleness as well as accepting one's flaws. "The Cup" as well as "The Golden Age" are other instances of tales that concentrate on essential ethical worths within a mythical context.

Besides myths, La Fontaine's stories frequently discover the effects of immoral actions or impart knowledge to the viewers. In "The Old Man and also His Three Children", a papa shows his children the significance of unity and also collaboration. At the same time, "The Two Flaggons" conveys the valuable lesson that a person should not focus on external looks over internal virtues.

Conclusion
Jean de La Fontaine's "Tales" is an abundant as well as varied collection of stories that demonstrates the author's proficiency of narration as well as control of language. His tales give readers with a window into 17th-century French culture, discovering motifs of indulgence, deceptiveness, principles, and knowledge. La Fontaine's works remain to hold charm for modern readers who are sure to value the wit, importance, and also wit found in this timeless collection.