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The Miracle Of The Great St. Nicolas 1920   By: (1844-1924)

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The Miracle Of The Great St. Nicolas 1920 by Anatole France is a beautifully written novella that captures the essence of hope, faith, and the power of miracles. Set in the early 20th century in the small French village of Guesviller, the story revolves around the miraculous events that unfold on St. Nicolas Day.

France's writing style is elegant and poetic, painting vivid images of the idyllic countryside and the quaint village life. The atmosphere is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, transporting readers back in time to a place where belief in miracles was still strong.

The protagonist, Martin, is a kind-hearted and pious young man who is deeply influenced by his devout mother. His unwavering faith in the power of St. Nicolas becomes the central focus of the story. As the village faces a series of mounting hardships, Martin clings to his beliefs, fervently praying for a miracle to save his community.

What unfolds is an enchanting tale of faith, love, and unity. France weaves together the lives of the villagers, giving each character depth and complexity. Through their individual struggles and triumphs, the author explores the themes of perseverance and the strength that lies in collective belief.

The novella also delves into the complexities of human nature, examining the conflicted feelings and doubts that can arise in the face of adversity. France masterfully touches upon the universal human experience of questioning one's faith and grappling with doubt, while still presenting a message of hope and resilience.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Miracle Of The Great St. Nicolas 1920 is France's ability to engage readers on a emotional level. The story evokes a range of feelings, from sorrow and despair at the villagers' hardships to joy and wonder at the miraculous events that unfold. This emotional rollercoaster keeps readers captivated and invested in the outcome.

Furthermore, France's exploration of the intricacies of religious belief adds depth and nuance to the narrative. He juxtaposes blind faith with rational skepticism, highlighting the different ways people navigate their spirituality. This thought-provoking exploration encourages readers to examine their own beliefs and consider the profound impact of miracles on individual lives and communities.

Although The Miracle Of The Great St. Nicolas 1920 is a relatively short novella, its impact is anything but fleeting. Anatole France's elegant prose, compelling characters, and exploration of faith make this a truly memorable and thought-provoking read. It is a literary gem that reminds us of the enduring power of miracles and the hope they bring to our lives.

First Page:

THE MIRACLE OF THE GREAT ST. NICOLAS

From "The Seven Wives Of Bluebeard & Other Marvellous Tales"

By Anatole France

Translated by D. B. Stewart

Edited By James Lewis May And Bernard Miall

John Lane Company MCMXX

ST. NICOLAS, Bishop of Myra in Lycia, lived in the time of Constantine the Great. The most ancient and weighty of those authors who have mentioned him celebrate his virtues, his labours, and his worth: they give abundant proofs of his sanctity; but none of them records the miracle of the salting tub. Nor is it mentioned in the Golden Legend. This silence is important: still one does not willingly consent to throw doubt upon a fact so widely known, which is attested by the ballad which all the world knows:

"There were three little children In the fields they went to glean."

This famous text expressly states that a cruel pork butcher put the innocents "like pigs into the salting vat." That is to say, he apparently preserved them, cut into pieces, in a bath of brine. This is, to be sure, how pork is cured: but one is surprised to read further on that the three little children remained seven years in pickle, whereas it is usual to begin withdrawing the pieces of flesh from the tub, with a wooden fork, at the end of about six weeks. The text is explicit: according to the elegy, it was seven years after the crime that St... Continue reading book >>




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