Le Roman comique

work by Scarron

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July 13, 2026

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Le Roman comique (The Comic Novel) is a 1651-1659 novel by French writer Paul Scarron. It is written in the style of a Spanish picaresque romance and humorously recounts the adventures of a troupe of traveling actors. Scarron's intention was to parody the popular heroic novels of the time, such as those by Madeleine de Scudéry.

Unlike the more literary humor of his parodies, the humor in Le Roman comique is considered more enduring due to its human and relatable nature. The novel's realism provides valuable insights into 17th-century French provincial life. Scarron's practical experience in theater heavily influenced this work, making it a significant contribution to the development of the novel genre.12

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Paul Scarron
…the theatre is reflected in Le Roman comique, 3 vol. (1651–59). This novel, composed in the style of a Spanish picaresque romance, recounts with gusto the comical adventures of a company of strolling players. The humour of Le Roman comique has lasted better than that of the parodies, probably because…
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…the theatre is reflected in Le Roman comique, 3 vol. (1651–59). This novel, composed in the style of a Spanish picaresque romance, recounts with gusto the comical adventures of a company of strolling players. The humour of Le Roman comique has lasted better than that of the parodies, probably because…
Read More

French literature
The heroic ideal
…in purpose and manner: in Le Roman comique (1651–57) he set out to parody the heroic novels.
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…in purpose and manner: in Le Roman comique (1651–57) he set out to parody the heroic novels.
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