The Jackass of Vanvres. a Cause Celebre
In July 1750, a washerwoman from Vanvres, while shopping in Paris, left her jackass tied outside a grocer's shop. During her absence, the jackass fell in love with a she-ass belonging to a florist's wife, leading to a series of chaotic events. The jackass broke free and pursued the she-ass, prompting the florist's wife to retaliate with violence, resulting in the jackass biting her arm. This incident attracted a crowd, and the jackass was subsequently taken back to its stable. The next day, the florist's wife demanded damages for her injury, claiming 1500 livres, which led to a legal dispute. The washerwoman's husband, distraught over the loss of his jackass, learned of its location but was met with the florist's wife's demands for compensation. The case escalated, with the florist's wife reducing her claim to 1200 livres and daily fees for the jackass's care. In court, the washerwoman's defense argued that the florist's wife provoked the jackass, asserting that animals have a right to self-defense. The defense highlighted the lack of medical evidence linking the bite to the jackass and suggested that the florist's wife had ulterior motives in detaining the animal. Witnesses confirmed that she had struck the jackass, which supported the defense's claim of provocation. Ultimately, the court dismissed the case, ordering the florist's wife to return the jackass without compensation. The incident became a source of public amusement and satire, inspiring various literary responses and commentary on the absurdity of the situation. The case exemplified the intersection of animal rights, human folly, and societal norms in 18th-century France, reflecting the complexities of ownership and responsibility in a humorous light.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1896 · Genre: Satire, Fiction, Comedy · 2,782 words
First lines
On the 1st July 1750 Madame Ferron, washerwoman of Vanvres, entered Paris riding on a jackass in the flower of its age. The good lady had come a-marketing; and on reaching the house of M. Nepveux, grocer, near the Porte S. Jacques, she descended from Neddy's back, and entered the shop, leaving the animal attached to the railings by his halter. After having made some purchases of soap and potash she asked the shopman to keep his eye on her ass whilst she went a few doors off to purchase some salt. This he neglected to do -- _Hinc illae lacrymae_. A few moments after Madame Ferron had disappeared there passed Madame Leclerc, wife of a florist in Paris, mounted on a she-ass of graceful proportions and engaging appearance.
What this Textopian page supports
The Jackass of Vanvres. a Cause Celebre is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1896 CE.
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- Work type: Short story
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Satire, Fiction, Comedy, Historical Fiction, Animal Fiction
- Length: 2,782 words
- Structure: 1 section, 38 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Satire — The book uses humor and irony to critique societal norms and behaviors, particularly through the absurdity of the legal case involving the jackass.
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account based on a humorous premise involving anthropomorphized animals and their interactions with humans.
- Comedy — The story employs comedic elements, including misunderstandings and exaggerated situations, to entertain the reader.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context are rooted in a specific historical period, reflecting the social and legal practices of 18th-century France.
Tags
satire · humor · French literature · 19th century · social commentary · animal rights · political critique · absurdism · character study · cultural reflection · provocative · controversial