Alain-René Lesage (1668–1747,) also Le Sage, was a prolific French satirical novelist and playwright. Lesage is best known for his comic novel Le Diable boiteux (1707; The Devil upon Two Sticks,) his comedy Turcaret (1709,) and his picaresque novel Gil Blas (1715–35.)
Born in Sarzeau, Brittany, Lesage went to Paris to study law in 1692. An early marriage drove him to seek his fortune in literature, getting free access to the Abbé de Lyonne’s Spanish library.
In 1700, Lesage published two plays in imitation of Francisco de Rojas Zorrilla and Lope de Vega. In 1707, Lesage successfully adapted Pedro Calderón de la Barca’s play, Don César Ursin. His comedy for Comédie-Française in Paris, Turcaret (or Le Financier, 1709,) is considered one of Lesage’s most essential works.
As a novelist, Lesage’s reputation rests on picaresque novel Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane (4 vols., 1715–35; Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane.) Later works include Le Bachelier de Salamanque (1736–38, ‘The Bachelor of Salamanque’) and a volume of letters, La Valise trouvée (1740, ‘A Suitcase Discovered.’)
Lesage retreated to Boulogne, where he lived until his death.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Alain-Rene Lesage
A flatterer can risk everything with great personages.
—Alain-Rene Lesage
A good doctor pursues his calling without any regard to a bad result. Otherwise, teaching in medical school might be called into question and where would we be then?
—Alain-Rene Lesage
Facts are stubborn things.
—Alain-Rene Lesage
Topics: Information
The more I have to suffer, the more my character will grow.
—Alain-Rene Lesage
It may be said that his wit shines at the expense of his memory.
—Alain-Rene Lesage
Pride and conceit were the original sin of man.
—Alain-Rene Lesage
Topics: Sin, Pride
I don’t know any more than you what the future will hold. But my point of view is different. You see despair and I see cause for hope. I read the future in a way that is more agreeable than you do.
—Alain-Rene Lesage
I am happy and content because I think I am.
—Alain-Rene Lesage
Topics: Optimism, Happiness, Blessings, Positive Attitudes
I wish you all manner of prosperity, with a little more taste.
—Alain-Rene Lesage
Topics: Style, Taste
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