Ridicule of Parenthood and Medicine in Courteline's The Little Patient

Extract

[...] The rhetorical question at the end emphasizes the lack of observation of the mother, which is rather hypocritical on her part since he himself did not notice it before. MADAME. - More doctor . Full stop This marks his dismay THE DOCTOR. - I believe it well, thunder of God, that he cannot stand on his feet . You have put both legs in the same leg of the pants Injury + Antiphrasis + Exclamative phrase The first line is an antiphrasis: he says the opposite of what he thinks to emphasize the revelation that follows. [...]

[...] The repetition of onomatopoeias adds a sonic dimension to the scene. Several comedic elements are highlighted in this line, which makes the mother appear ridiculous. THE DOCTOR. - This is something marvelous. May I see the little patient ? Metaphor Magical = marvelous. The doctor seems unable to explain the situation, there is a game almost troubled between magic and medicine in this excerpt. Medicine is questioned by the doctor's inability. He finally decides to examine him. MADAME. - Without a doubt. [...]

[...] The theatrical representation allows the comical resolution to be achieved through a visual farce: the child with legs on one side of the pants. The accusation of medicine was already found in the 17the 17th century with Molière and his play The Imaginary Invalid, last play of the playwright who died on stage during one of his performances. In this play, fake doctors manipulate Argan who is rich and above all hypochondriac. As much in Courteline as in Molière, medicine is ridiculed. [...]

[...] Stichomythies are short replies that follow each other and give a rhythm to the exchange to emphasize the comical aspect. THE DOCTOR. - That's strange, that. What age has he? MADAME. - Four and a half years. Constat + interrogation The doctor marks his surprise once again. He questions the mother to try to find the reason for this strange disease. The spectator learns the age of the boy, which makes him even more endearing. THE DOCTOR. - When the devil himself were here, we'd hold on to his legs at that age And how did it catch him? [...]

[...] She compares him to a rabbit, which animalizes him to show that he was dynamic and jumping everywhere, which shows that the current situation is even more inexplicable. The onomatopoeia at the end reinforces the comical side of the scene. THE DOCTOR. - A false step, perhaps. Attempt at explanation The doctor appears ridiculous, his attempt at explanation is not relevant and above all he still does not examine him. Movement a disturbing diagnosis (lines 19 to 31) References Processes Explanations MADAME. - Wait . I rush; I lift him up . Puff He falls a second 20 times. [...]