In the tale of Jeannot and Colin, Voltaire not only tells an instructive tale warning of the dangers of sudden wealth and social climbing, but also directs his satirical comments at the vacuous and fickle nouveau riche of his day, the catholic church, private education, and society in general.
Jeannot and Colin are childhood friends. Both come from working-class backgrounds in a rural part of France, but Jeannot’s parents, on a trip to Paris, strike it lucky in business and within a short time become very wealthy. They purchase a title, send fine clothes to their son, and order him to Paris. Jeannot’s head is turned by the sudden elevation in his status, and he lords it over the humble Colin when he leaves.
In Paris a lengthy discussion takes place as to how Jeannot should best be educated for his new role as a young marquis. After rejecting Latin, geography, astronomy, history, and various other possible subjects, they settle on teaching him to dance and hold forth as a wit at dinner parties. All seems to be going well, until one day the bailiffs arrive and repossess all the family’s assets. Jeannot is about to learn some very harsh life lessons.
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