The Aspirations of Jean Servien

Name: The Aspirations of Jean Servien
Author: Anatole France

The Aspirations of Jean Servien is a novel by Anatole France that explores the life and struggles of its protagonist, Jean Servien. Set in late 19th century France, the story follows Jean as he navigates his way through various social and political upheavals, all while grappling with his own personal demons. Through his experiences, France delves into themes of identity, morality, and the human condition. Your Question: What are some key themes present in The Aspirations of Jean Servien?

By Anatole France · First published 1903 · Genre: Classic Literature, Historical Fiction, Romanticism · 35 chapters · 39,927 words

First lines

Jean Servien was born in a back-shop in the "Rue Notre-Dame des Champs". His father was a bookbinder and worked for the Religious Houses. Jean was a little weakling child, and his mother nursed him at her breast as she sewed the books, sheet by sheet, with the curved needle of the trade. One day as she was crossing the shop, humming a song, in the words of which she found expression for the vague, splendid visions of her maternal ambition, her foot slipped on the boards, which were moist with paste.

What this Textopian page supports

The Aspirations of Jean Servien is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anatole France, dated 1903 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Anatole France
Date: 1903 CE
Language: English
Genres: Classic Literature, Historical Fiction, Romanticism
Length: 39,927 words
Structure: 35 chapters, 717 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Aspirations of Jean Servien?
How does this novel by Anatole France fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Classic Literature first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Classic Literature — The book is written by Anatole France, who received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1921, which classifies his works, including this one, as classic literature.
Historical Fiction — The story is set in 19th-century France during the time of the French Revolution, which places it within the genre of historical fiction.
Romanticism — The book emphasizes emotion, individualism, and imagination, typical characteristics of the romantic period, making it a work of romanticism.