description The Devil upon Two Sticks Overview
Le Diable boiteux (The Devil upon Two Sticks) is a satirical novel by French writer Alain-René Lesage, first published in 1707. It adapts Luis Vélez de Guevara's 1641 Spanish novel El Diablo cojuelo, in which a crippled devil named Asmodeus lifts the rooftops of Madrid to reveal the hidden vices of its residents to a student named Don Cleofás. The novel's episodic structure allowed Lesage to satirize contemporary society through a series of revealing vignettes across social classes. It was widely read upon publication and helped establish Lesage's literary reputation.
help The Devil upon Two Sticks FAQ
Who wrote The Devil upon Two Sticks?
The French picaresque novel was written by Alain-René Lesage and first published in 1707. It was heavily inspired by earlier Spanish literature.
What is the plot of The Devil upon Two Sticks?
The story follows a student who frees a devil from a magical bottle, and in return, the devil takes him on a journey across Madrid. From the rooftops, they expose the hidden follies of the city's citizens.
Is The Devil upon Two Sticks based on an older book?
Yes, Lesage adapted the novel from a Spanish source material. He based it heavily on Luis Vélez de Guevara's 1641 novel El diablo cojuelo.
What genre is The Devil upon Two Sticks?
It is considered a classic French picaresque novel and a biting social satire. The book mocks the hypocrisies, scandals, and private lives of the aristocracy in early 18th-century Europe.
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