Putois by Anatole France, 1907
The magic trick:
A comedic plot underpinned by philosophical debate
This is a flat-out hilarious story; the kind of thing that would work as a plot for an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. We’ve got the awkward annoyance of social responsibilities leading to a slight error in judgement that leads to all kinds of ridiculous consequences. It’s never stressful, though – just light and funny.
At the same time, though, the error in judgement that sets the plot in motion presents a fascinating philosophical debate that runs very deep. It will get you thinking about the very nature of existence – while you’re chuckling at the comedy.
And that’s quite a trick on France’s part.
The selection:
“I do not understand at all,” said Pauline.
“That is because you did not know Putois, my daughter. You must understand that Putois was the most familiar figure in my childhood and in that of your Aunt Zoe. In the house of your grandfather Bergeret we constantly spoke of Putois. Each believed that he had seen him.”
Pauline asked:
“Who was this Putois?”
Instead of replying, Monsieur Bergeret commenced to laugh, and Mademoiselle Bergeret also laughed, her lips pressed tight together. Pauline looked from one to the other. She thought it strange that her aunt should laugh so heartily, and more strange that she should laugh with and in sympathy with her brother. It was indeed singular, as the brother and sister were quite different in character.
“Papa, tell me what was Putois? Since you wish me to know, tell me.”
“Putois, my daughter, was a gardener. The son of honest market-gardeners, he set up for himself as nurseryman at Saint-Omer. But he did not satisfy his customers and got in a bad way. Having given up business, he went out by the day. Those who employed him could not always congratulate themselves.”
At this, Mademoiselle Bergeret, laughing, rejoined;
“Do you recall, Lucien, when our father could not find his ink, his pens, his sealing-wax, his scissors, he said: ‘I suspect Putois has been here’?”
“Ah!” said Monsieur Bergeret, “Putois had not a good reputation.”
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