Durand, a man from Lyon who became rich when he was living in Martinique, comes back to Lyon and tries to have news of his former servant, Guignol. He meets Niafron who tells him that Guignol is kept prisoner by his wife Madelon in their house, and that she beats him, insults him and forces him to do all the housework. Durand entrusts a “wonderful root” imported from the Americas (which is nothing but a stick) to Niafron, and asks him to give it to Guignol. Niafron uses a ruse to make Madelon leave her house: he invites her to the restaurant and leaves her there before dessert to meet up with Guignol. Niafron shows Guignol how to be obeyed: first, he must threatens Madelon with the stick and tell her “Woman, see Jérôme” then, if she persists, he must say “Woman, beware of Jérôme” and, finally, on the words “Woman, feel Jérôme” he must beat her. When Madelon returns, Guignol enforces the lesson taught by Niafron and makes his wife submit and obey him.

Glove-puppet

Not specified

France

Lyon

Printed

Argument

Household

Unhappy marriage

Emancipation of women

Comical

Farcical

La Racine merveilleuse, anonymous manuscript, collection of Léopold Dor.

Fais-me voir, Jérôme

ou la Racine merveilleuse