The Fox of France

Chapter 11: The Playwright

Joseph's life had indeed become as challenging as Armand had predicted. He survived on nothing but black bread and cold water, enduring this harsh existence for approximately two months. During this time, Joseph managed to transform his physique into something resembling a twig.

"Joseph, there's a theater troupe preparing a comedy called 'The Island Governor.' It's adapted from 'Don Quixote.' I think your current physique is perfect for playing the role of Don Quixote," Armand said with a mischievous smile.

"Good Lord!" Joseph exclaimed. "In this play, Don Quixote isn't the main character, right? The protagonist should be Sancho."

He observed Armand and added, "I must say, you'd have to put in a lot of effort if you want to play the main role."

"Who said I want to play the main role? How is that even possible?" Armand retorted. "Sancho is a short, chubby character, and I, although slightly shorter than you, have nothing in common with short or chubby. Joseph, are you losing your mind, or is it your eyesight that's failing you? Or maybe you're so immersed in the role that you're already seeing windmills as giants?"

Joseph burst into laughter. "Ah, Armand, your brain is incredibly rigid. Comedy is absurd precisely because of its absurdity. You should understand that the world is absurd, life is painful, my friend. That's the reality of the world."

He continued, "In the past, King Midas searched for the companion of the god of wine, clever Silenus, for a long time in the forest. When he finally caught Silenus, the king asked, 'What is the best thing for a human?' Silenus, bewildered, remained silent. After the king pressured him, Silenus finally spoke with a booming laughter, 'Miserable creatures of brief and troubled existence, why do you force me to tell you the best thing you should avoid hearing? The best thing in the world is to never be born, to not exist, to become nothing. But for the second best, you can still seek it - hurry up and die!'"

What a dreadful story! When we lift the veil of the fog shrouding the towering Mount Olympus, we can see the terrifying forces of nature that govern all knowledge. These forces torment Prometheus, the great lover of humanity, and bring misery to the house of Atreus, which compels Orestes to kill his mother. Behind the divine and majestic Greek gods, we discover the dreadful Titans. To survive, the sensitive Greeks had to create a dream to shield themselves from the terrifying reality. Just as Apollo raised the severed head of Medusa, scaring away all other monsters. Comedy and all forms of art serve as this dream.

Dreams can be absurd, even must be absurd. Only the horrifying Medusa can fend off other horrifying monsters. So why fixate on whether Sancho is short and chubby?"

"Joseph, you rascal," Armand said. "You're just using your knowledge to confound people. My head is spinning from talking to you. While what you say seems to make some sense, the audience needs a beautiful dream, not a nightmare that startles them. I doubt they'd accept a Sancho as tall and handsome as me."

"Indeed, the contrast between Sancho's appearance and his wisdom creates an interesting dynamic that amuses the audience. If you take the main role, that contrast disappears. However, my friend, have you forgotten that there's a way to make Helen look like a Gorgon, even if it can't turn Gorgons into Helens?" Joseph smiled.

"You mean makeup, right? But how can makeup turn a tall person into a short one?" Armand asked in confusion.

"Why not? In this world, there's always a solution to problems; we just lack clever minds to think of them," Joseph said while picking up a pencil and a sheet of paper covered with math problems from the nearby table.

He continued, "You see, we can use a technique like making a whalebone skirt to create a..." Joseph explained as he drew on the paper.

"This is..." Armand's eyes widened. "Well, it seems like it could work, but it might be quite challenging for the actors."

"Yes, it's a bit challenging, but finding a dwarf actor who can act is not easy. But an actor who can act and endure hardship is easier to find," Joseph remarked. "Moreover, there's an advantage to this approach. When the play ends, and the actors come on stage to bow, the actor who played the dwarf suddenly stands up straight. That would be quite comical."

"Hehe, hehe," Armand laughed as he pocketed the drawing Joseph had made. "Joseph, you should patent this design in England. Although it may not be recognized in France, England is known for its patents, and they do have patent laws."

"So, England excels in technological inventions compared to France," Joseph replied.

...

Two days after this conversation, Armand came to find Joseph again.

"Joseph, your idea from last time is excellent, especially the final act with the audience erupting in laughter. The effect is fantastic. I believe, Joseph, you could become a playwright. You know, the scripts of ancient Greek and Roman plays, even the Renaissance works, often feel too antiquated for modern audiences. Even modern literature often imitates the ancients too much, making it challenging to perform without modifications. So, many theater troupes need a playwright."

Armand explained further, "These playwrights are often former actors who understand the stage well but may lack a deep appreciation of art. So, many theater companies look for playwrights who have both theatrical knowledge and artistic sensibilities to collaborate. Just like the 'Dragon and Rose' theater troupe that performed 'The Island Governor' last time, they are also looking for a playwright with your skills. Additionally, many artists start their careers in this role."

"They did ask me to be their playwright, but you know, I'm busy, and now you need money. Joseph, my friend, do you have the energy and time to take on this job?" Armand asked.

Joseph expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you so much, my friend. As for energy and time, they're like water in a sponge - you can always squeeze out some if you apply pressure."

Armand commented, "You know, Joseph, one fascinating thing about talking to you is that I always hear profound and philosophical statements. You're quite an interesting person. If you didn't deliberately put on a priestly facade, you'd surely be popular with the ladies. Although, compared to me, maybe you still have some catching up to do. But definitely better than Lucien. You see, Lucien already has a mistress."

"Lucien has a mistress now?" This news surprised Joseph because even though Lucien's family had some money, he had limited personal funds, and his father would never support him in keeping a mistress.

"Of course," Armand replied, with excitement in his voice. "I saw Lucien near the Saint-Genevive church earlier, wearing a new coat, a new hat, polished shoes, and holding a bouquet of flowers. He had a wooden, clueless expression, and he didn't even notice me when I greeted him. I looked at the anxious yet eager expression on his face, which resembled someone preparing for a dissertation defense and a general ready for battle. Ah, that expression is familiar to me because I've seen it so many times. I've given it a name in biology - 'in heat.' Lucien has fallen into this state. I'm sure he has a mistress now. There's no doubt about it!"

Joseph inquired, "So, you're not certain?"

Armand explained, "I did follow him, thinking he'd meet his lover in the small garden behind the church. I even thought, 'This guy knows where to find a quiet spot.' But to my surprise, he got on a public carriage and..."

Joseph finished his sentence, "And then you lost him, right?"

"Exactly. But I'll find out for sure who this enchantress is, who managed to bewitch our Lucien into such a state," Armand declared with a chuckle.

"Oh, by the way, Mr. Denard, the director of the Dragon and Rose troupe, would like to meet you for coffee. Can you make time for that?" Armand asked.

Joseph responded, "How about next Sunday afternoon? I don't have any commitments that afternoon."

"Great. I'll arrange a meeting with Mr. Denard then. Any specific location you prefer?" Armand inquired.

"Any place will do," Joseph replied.

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