Synthesized answer
The author anticipates surprise from readers of "Jean-Christophe" by stating that they "certainly never expected this new volume" and that the readers "cannot be more surprised than I am myself" [4]. He explains that he had to abandon other works, planned in a similar "tragic key" to "Jean-Christophe," to write this "trifling work" which came to him spontaneously [4]. This book is described as a "reaction from the constraint of 'Jean-Christophe,' which... had become too tight for me" [1]. The author felt an "absolute need of something gay, in the true Gallic spirit" [1].
This departure reveals an implicit understanding that readers of "Jean-Christophe" might expect a continuation of its style and themes. The author addresses this expectation directly by acknowledging the surprise and explaining the personal and creative reasons for the shift. He also characterizes the new work as "perfectly frank and straightforward which has no idea of transforming or explaining the world either politically, or metaphysically," presenting it as a true Frenchman who "laughs because he is well and hearty and life is sweet to him" [2]. The passages do not explicitly detail the "contract" between an…
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From the book
rowing aside all my notes and well-planned scenes, for this trifling work which only came into my head the day before. This book is a reaction from the constraint of “Jean-Christophe,” which, like an outgrown cuirass, fitted well enough at first, but had become too tight for me; I felt an absolute need of something gay, in the true Gallic spirit--even perhaps verging on impropriety. On returning to my native place for the first time since my youth, the renewed contact with the soil of Burgundy woke a past within me which I had believed silent forever; and roused all the Colas…
ad, you had your day, it is my turn to speak now,” they only answered: “Young one, you can talk when we have finished. In the first place you have nothing more interesting to say, so sit down, and listen with all your ears: you might do that much for the old man; when you stand where I am now you will know that silence is the worst of death.” How could I help writing what was dictated to me? Now it is all over and I am free again--at least I suppose so--and can take up the thread of my own thoughts, if some one of these old chatter-boxes does not take it into his head to start up…
of Orleans at the beginning of a French story, so, as she used to say, “Take kindly to it”! ROMAIN ROLLAND. May, 1914. PREFACE AFTER THE WAR When the War broke out this book was already printed and ready to appear, so I have left it untouched. The grandchildren of Colas Breugnon have just emerged as heroes and victims of a bloody epic, only to show an unquenchable flame to the world. Let me hope that the people of Europe, full of courage in spite of their sufferings, may find some solace in these reflections of “a little lamb caught between the wolf and the shepherd.” …
COLAS BREUGNON BY ROMAIN ROLLAND Author of “Jean-Christophe” TRANSLATED BY KATHERINE MILLER “There is life in the old dog yet” [Illustration] NEW YORK HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY COPYRIGHT, 1919 BY HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY The Quinn & Boden Company BOOK MANUFACTURERS RAMWAY NEW JERSEY To SAINT MARTIN OF GAUL PATRON SAINT OF CLAMECY “St. Martin gaily drinks his fill and lets the stream flow to the mill.” _xvith cent. Proverb_ TO THE READER The readers of…
farther and try to grasp the high designs of kings, the quarrels of princes, with all their politics and metaphysics? No, the stick is made for beasts of burden, but which cudgel is the softest and who is to shake it over our backs, is a question too hard for us to decide; if we had the stick in our own hands for a little while it might be easier, but in the meantime there is nothing for it but patience, and to bear the blows as long as we are the anvil; some day our turn will come at the hammer! While I was talking, the Seigneur of Maillebois stood looking at me, in two…
More questions about this book
- How does the author's deliberate shift from the "tragic key" of "Jean-Christophe" to the "gay, in the true Gallic spirit" of "Colas Breugnon" illuminate the relationship between an artist's personal well-being and their creative output?
- If you were to explain the author's metaphor of having "all the Colas Breugnons under my skin" and being their "secretary" to someone unfamiliar with the text, how would you articulate the unique connection he describes between himself and his subject matter, and what does this imply about the nature of inspiration?
- The author states this book has "no idea of transforming or explaining the world either politically, or metaphysically." How does this declaration redefine or challenge typical expectations for literary works, and what distinct value might such a "frank and straightforward" narrative offer a reader?
- Consider the seemingly disparate elements: the dedication to "Saint Martin of Gaul" and the two epigraphs. How do these contextual details subtly foreshadow or reinforce the author's stated intention to present a story focused on simple joys and hearty living, rather than profound philosophical inquiry?