Quand le rideau s'est baissé

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78036

Title

Quand le rideau s'est baissé

Language

fr

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A witty and satirical reimagining of classic legends, this novel blends the Cid's romance with Ulysses' epic struggles. Through a humorous, anachronistic lens, it explores themes of honor, fidelity, and the absurdities of heroism, offering a fresh, engaging take on timeless tales.

Summary up to 500 words

In Pierre Mille's satirical narrative *Quand le rideau s'est baissé*, legendary figures are reimagined through a lens of domestic drama and ironic fate. The story begins with the Cid, Don Rodrigue, whose marriage to Chimène is immediately complicated by the disdain of his mother-in-law, the Comtesse de Gormas. Tensions escalate as the Countess plots against her son-in-law, fueled by her husband's murder at the hands of Don Diègue. Simultaneously, the captive Moorish Emir, Almanzor, faces execution for failing to ransom his sons. However, the conflict resolves through a clever scheme orchestrated by the priest Father Constantin Papoulas, who arranges a surprising marriage between the Comtesse and Almanzor. This union saves Almanzor's life, secures a ransom for the Emir, and allows the Cid to retain his honor while the Countess finds solace in her new role. The narrative then shifts to a parallel, fantastical retelling of Homer's *Odyssey*. Ulysses reflects on his many wives and lovers, including Calypso, Nausicaa, and Helen, expressing regret over his adventurous life. Meanwhile, his son Telemachus attempts to reform Ithaca with rigid, unpopular laws modeled after the fictional kingdom of Salente. His efforts to impose strict class divisions, limit property, and ban alcohol lead to civil unrest and his eventual departure for Calypso's island, leaving Penelope to face the aftermath of her husband's return and the deaths of the suitors. Telemachus's reforms fail as the people reject his currency and lifestyle changes, leading to his disillusionment. The story concludes with Penelope's tragic death by a rival's spear and Ulysses' own departure into exile, accompanied only by his aging dog, Argos, who sadly refuses to board the boat. Throughout, Mille employs a tone that is both affectionate and critical, highlighting the human flaws and ironic fates of these mythological figures. The work suggests that even heroes are subject to the mundane struggles of family dynamics and the inevitable decay of power and passion. By blending historical legend with Homeric myth, Mille creates a tapestry of human experience where honor is often compromised by personal desire and societal pressure.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Short Stories
• Fiction