A Feast-Day on the Rhone

Name: A Feast-Day on the Rhone
Author: Thomas A. Janvier

The narrative follows a group of expatriate poets and artists from the South of France as they embark on a festive pilgrimage down the Rhone River to participate in a biennial celebration known as the Felibrien festival. The journey begins in Lyons, where the travelers board a steamboat, the _Gladiateur_, amidst a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie. The author reflects on the joy of returning to their beloved southern homeland, contrasting it with the dreariness of their lives in the north. As the boat departs, the passengers, a mix of renowned artists and poets, engage in lively singing and dancing, embodying the spirit of their cultural heritage. The Rhone River, characterized as both playful and historically significant, serves as a backdrop for their journey, rich with remnants of ancient civilizations and medieval history. The travelers pass various towns, each with its own historical anecdotes, from Vienne's ancient glory to Tournon's warm welcome, where they are treated to a lavish breakfast and celebrated by the townsfolk. Throughout the voyage, the narrative interweaves personal reflections on the significance of poetry and the arts, the camaraderie among the Felibrien members, and the historical context of the regions they traverse. The author highlights the beauty of the landscapes, the warmth of the local people, and the shared joy of artistic expression, culminating in their arrival in Avignon, where they are greeted with enthusiasm and reverence. The work captures the essence of a cultural pilgrimage, celebrating the bonds of friendship, the richness of artistic heritage, and the enduring connection to one's roots. The journey is not just a physical passage down the river but also a metaphorical return to identity, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of the South of France.

By Thomas A. Janvier · First published 1895 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Travel Literature · 10 chapters · 18,349 words

First lines

This water feast-day was a part of the biennial pilgrimage to the Sainte-Estelle of the Felibrige and the Cigaliers: the two Felibrien societies maintained in Paris by the children of the South of France. Through twenty-three dreary months those expatriated ones exist in the chill North; in the blessed twenty-fourth month -- always in burning August, when the melons are luscious ripe and the grapes are ripening, when the sun they love so well is blazing his best and the whole land is a-quiver with a thrilling stimulating heat -- they go joyously southward upon an excursion which has for its climax the great Felibrien festival: and then, in their own gloriously hot Midi, they really live!

What this Textopian page supports

A Feast-Day on the Rhone is listed on Textopian as a novella by Thomas A. Janvier, dated 1895 CE.

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Work type: Novella
Author: Thomas A. Janvier
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Travel Literature, Romance, Adventure
Length: 18,349 words
Structure: 10 chapters, 83 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes and character development, typical of literary fiction.
Historical Fiction — Set in a specific historical context, it reflects the culture and events of the time.
Travel Literature — The narrative includes detailed descriptions of the Rhone region, emphasizing the travel experience.
Romance — Elements of romance may be present in the interactions and relationships depicted.