The Horseman on the Roof by Jean Giono (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of The Horseman on the Roof by Jean Giono. It provides a thorough exploration of the novel’s plot, characters and main themes, including plague, vice and 19^th-century politics. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 50-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Jean Giono
• Presentation of The Horseman on the Roof
• Summary of The Horseman on the Roof
• Character study
  • Angelo Pardi
  • Giuseppe
  • Pauline of Theus
  • The elderly doctor
  • The poor little Frenchman
• Analysis of The Horseman on the Roof
  • A troubled era
  • Cholera: a symbolic plague
  • Humanity’s vices

About The Horseman on the Roof

The Horseman on the Roof is the third volume in Jean Giono’s ‘Hussar cycle’ of novels. It was first published in French in 1951, and it follows the adventures of a young Italian hussar, Angelo Pardi, as he wanders through the South of France after being forced to flee his homeland because of his political convictions. It is set in the 19^th century, and focuses on a cholera epidemic that is sweeping through the region and the devastating consequences the plague leaves in its wake. In many ways, it is also an allegorical portrait of humanity’s vices, and a reflection of the author’s firm pacifist beliefs.

About Jean Giono

Jean Giono was a French writer who was born and died in Manosque, France. Although he was forced to leave school at the age of 16 to earn money for his family, he never forgot his love of literature, particularly famous works such as Homer’s Iliad. He was called up for military service in 1914, and his experience in the war had a profound impact both on him and on his writing. He became a staunch advocate of pacifism, which can be seen in his works of the 1930s. He passed away in 1970 at the age of 75.