The Fancy-Dress Ball
The Fancy-Dress Ball by Anatole France is a novella that explores the themes of identity, social class, and the superficiality of high society. The story takes place at a fancy-dress ball where the guests are expected to dress up in elaborate costumes, but the main character, Jacques, finds himself struggling to come up with an appropriate disguise. As he wanders through the party, Jacques observes the other guests and their various costumes, each one more absurd than the last. He becomes increasingly disillusioned with the superficiality of the social scene and the way people use costumes to hide their true identities. Throughout the novella, France uses satire and irony to critique the excesses of high society, highlighting the emptiness and artificiality of the lives led by the wealthy elite. The Fancy-Dress Ball is a thought-provoking and entertaining work that continues to resonate with readers today.
By Anatole France · First published 1888 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romantic, Drama · 456 words
First lines
HERE we have little boys who are conquering heroes and little girls who are heroines. Here we have shepherdesses in hoops and wreaths of roses and shepherds in satin coats, who carry crooks tied with knots of riband. Oh! what white, pretty sheep they must be these shepherds tend! Here are Alexander the Great and Zaire, and Pyrrhus and Merope, Mahomet, Harlequin, Pierrot, Scapin, Blaise and Babette. They have come from all parts, from Greece and Rome and the lands of Faery, to dance together. What a fine thing a fancy ball is, and how delicious to be a great King for an hour or a famous Princess! There is nothing to spoil the pleasure. No need to act up to your costume, nor even to talk in character.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fancy-Dress Ball is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anatole France, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Anatole France
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romantic, Drama, Literary Fiction, Satire
- Length: 456 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Fancy-Dress Ball by Anatole France
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in the historical time period of 18th century France. It explores the social and political landscape of the time through the eyes of its characters, featuring historical events and figures.
- Romantic — The book prominently features romantic relationships and love's influence on the decisions and developments of the characters.
- Drama — Tensions among characters and the unfolding of dramatic events are central to the plot and narrative of the book.
- Literary Fiction — Anatole France employs a literary style in his writing characterized by its nuanced portrayal of characters and their internal experiences, along with exploration of philosophical ideas.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · France · Paris · Society · Manners · Etiquette · Gender · Roles · Class · Status · Power