Alain-René Lesage is most renowned for his contributions to literature through his novels The Devil upon Two Sticks and Gil Blas. These works are often examined for their satirical lens on society, revealing the author's keen eye for irony and insight into human nature. Lesage's unique narrative style, marked by episodic storytelling and a gift for observation, mirrors the picaresque tradition.

The Devil upon Two Sticks: A Satirical Observation

The Devil upon Two Sticks draws its inspiration from the Spanish work El diablo cojuelo by Luis Vélez de Guevara, as Lesage adapts the tale to his own ends, creating a vivid cross-section of society. The conceit of the novel, where the demon Asmodeus unveils the hidden lives of Madrid's residents for Don Cléophas, serves as a vehicle for voyeuristic exploration. Lesage’s work is less concerned with plot coherence and more with presenting an array of social vignettes.

Critics like Frederick C. Green see the novel as a preparatory exercise for Lesage’s later work, while Nicolas Boileau’s disdain highlights the contentious reception it received. Although it stretches the original Spanish tale to twice its length, the expansion serves to amplify its satirical critique of society rather than to develop complex narratives or characters. Lesage's style is reminiscent of Jean de La Bruyère’s Caractères, focusing on keen social observation rather than psychological depth.

Gil Blas: A Picaresque Journey

In Gil Blas, Lesage moves beyond the anecdotal nature of The Devil upon Two Sticks to weave a slightly more cohesive narrative. Gil Blas, the protagonist, is not just an observer but an active participant in the stories, which are intricately tied to his fortunes. The novel, set in early seventeenth-century Spain, uses its historical backdrop to comment on contemporary French society through layers of satire and parody.

The narrative of Gil Blas takes him from a hopeful student to a seasoned courtier, showcasing his cunning and adaptability in a world rife with deception. Through various identities and roles, he navigates a society where honesty is not necessarily a virtue, emphasizing the theatrical metaphor that "All the world’s a stage." His escapades with patrons like Doctor Sangrado and the Archbishop underscore the satirical critique of societal institutions.

Social Critique and Personal Advancement

Gil Blas’s adventures are laden with lessons about the fickle nature of success and the unreliability of moral integrity in personal advancement. His experiences at court reveal a dim view of political life, as he caters to multiple masters, each with conflicting demands. The novel’s structure allows for coincidences and fortuitous events, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the picaresque world.

Lesage’s tale lacks the psychological depth and time-bound progression of later novels, such as those by Stendhal or Tolstoy. Instead, it offers a series of snapshots into the satirical universe of the eighteenth-century French aristocracy. The lightness and humor in Lesage’s narrative distinguish it from the gravitas of other contemporary works, providing an "aristocratic" wit that appeals to readers through its irony and breeziness.

The Lasting Impact and Literary Style

Despite the absence of a cohesive character development or a tightly knit plot, Lesage’s novels hold a unique place in literature due to their sharp wit and episodic narrative style. His works capture the essence of a society through vivid character sketches and incisive social commentary. Critics note that Lesage’s brilliance shines in the details, in the cleverly wrought sentences and the satirical episodes that constitute the backbone of his storytelling.

Lesage’s influence extends to later writers like Honoré de Balzac, who appreciated the episodic style and social observations present in his works. His novels, although lengthy, are best appreciated in fragments, where his gift for sardonic humor and social critique can be fully appreciated. Readers are encouraged to delve into Lesage's works not for cohesive narrative arcs but for the delightful, incisive glimpses into the human condition he so artfully presents.