323 – El Verdugo
Digest
This episode of Sleepy features a short story by Honoré de Balzac called "Elvardugo." The story takes place in wartime France and follows a young French officer who is stationed in a town occupied by Spanish forces. The officer is suspicious of the Spanish Marquis de la Gagne, who is believed to be in communication with the British. One night, the officer witnesses a strange light on the ocean and hears a cry. He is then attacked by the Spanish, who kill his soldiers. He is saved by Clara, the Marquis's daughter, who warns him of the danger and helps him escape. The officer reports the incident to his general, who launches a retaliatory attack on the town. The Marquis and his family are captured and sentenced to death. The general offers the Marquis a deal: he can save one of his sons by having him execute the rest of his family. Juanito, the eldest son, agrees to the deal and executes his family, including Clara. The story ends with Juanito living in solitude, haunted by his actions.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the podcast and its host, Otis, who announces the launch of his new show, "The Daily Book Club." He describes the show as a daytime companion to Sleepy, where listeners can hear entire books one chapter at a time. He also mentions that the first book they will be reading is "The Enchanted April" by Elizabeth Von Arnhem.
I Can't Sleep Podcast
This Chapter introduces the "I Can't Sleep Podcast" with Benjamin Boster. The podcast aims to help listeners fall asleep by reading random articles from across the web in a soothing voice. The host explains that each episode provides enough interesting content to hold the listener's attention before their mind drifts off to sleep.
Mentally Stronger
This Chapter introduces the "Mentally Stronger" podcast with therapist Amy Moran. The podcast features conversations with experts, authors, entrepreneurs, athletes, and musicians who share their mental strategies for success. The host also provides therapist-approved advice and techniques for building mental strength.
Balzac's "Elvardugo"
This Chapter begins with the host introducing the short story "Elvardugo" by Honoré de Balzac. He explains that he recently read some of Balzac's work and that many listeners enjoyed it. He then thanks the patrons of his Patreon page and credits the music used in the podcast.
Elvardugo
This Chapter begins the reading of Balzac's "Elvardugo." The story follows a young French officer who is stationed in a town occupied by Spanish forces. The officer is suspicious of the Spanish Marquis de la Gagne, who is believed to be in communication with the British. One night, the officer witnesses a strange light on the ocean and hears a cry. He is then attacked by the Spanish, who kill his soldiers. He is saved by Clara, the Marquis's daughter, who warns him of the danger and helps him escape.
Keywords
Honoré de Balzac
Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) was a French novelist and playwright. He is considered one of the greatest writers of the 19th century and is known for his realistic and detailed portrayals of French society. His most famous work is "La Comédie humaine," a series of novels that depict the lives of various characters in different social classes. Balzac's writing is characterized by its psychological depth, social commentary, and vivid descriptions.
Elvardugo
Elvardugo is a short story by Honoré de Balzac. The story takes place in wartime France and follows a young French officer who is stationed in a town occupied by Spanish forces. The officer is suspicious of the Spanish Marquis de la Gagne, who is believed to be in communication with the British. One night, the officer witnesses a strange light on the ocean and hears a cry. He is then attacked by the Spanish, who kill his soldiers. He is saved by Clara, the Marquis's daughter, who warns him of the danger and helps him escape. The officer reports the incident to his general, who launches a retaliatory attack on the town. The Marquis and his family are captured and sentenced to death. The general offers the Marquis a deal: he can save one of his sons by having him execute the rest of his family. Juanito, the eldest son, agrees to the deal and executes his family, including Clara. The story ends with Juanito living in solitude, haunted by his actions.
Sleepy Podcast
Sleepy is a podcast that features bedtime stories and other relaxing audio content designed to help listeners fall asleep. The podcast is hosted by Otis, who reads classic literature and other stories in a soothing voice. Sleepy is a popular podcast for people who struggle with insomnia or who simply enjoy listening to stories before bed.
The Daily Book Club
The Daily Book Club is a podcast hosted by Otis, the host of Sleepy. The show features readings of entire books, one chapter at a time, each day. The Daily Book Club is a great way to start your day with a dose of literature and to learn about new books and authors.
I Can't Sleep Podcast
The "I Can't Sleep Podcast" with Benjamin Boster is a podcast that aims to help listeners fall asleep by reading random articles from across the web in a soothing voice. The host explains that each episode provides enough interesting content to hold the listener's attention before their mind drifts off to sleep.
Mentally Stronger
The "Mentally Stronger" podcast with therapist Amy Moran is a podcast that features conversations with experts, authors, entrepreneurs, athletes, and musicians who share their mental strategies for success. The host also provides therapist-approved advice and techniques for building mental strength.
Q&A
What is the name of the short story read in this episode of Sleepy?
The short story read in this episode of Sleepy is "Elvardugo" by Honoré de Balzac.
What is the setting of the story "Elvardugo"?
The story takes place in wartime France, in a town occupied by Spanish forces.
Who is the main character in "Elvardugo"?
The main character in "Elvardugo" is a young French officer who is stationed in the town.
What is the name of the Spanish Marquis in the story?
The Spanish Marquis in the story is the Marquis de la Gagne.
What is the name of the Marquis's daughter who helps the officer escape?
The Marquis's daughter who helps the officer escape is Clara.
What happens to the officer's soldiers?
The officer's soldiers are killed by the Spanish forces.
What is the general's response to the officer's report of the attack?
The general launches a retaliatory attack on the town and captures the Marquis and his family.
What deal does the general offer the Marquis?
The general offers the Marquis a deal: he can save one of his sons by having him execute the rest of his family.
Who agrees to the deal and executes his family?
Juanito, the eldest son, agrees to the deal and executes his family, including Clara.
What happens to Juanito after the execution?
Juanito lives in solitude, haunted by his actions.
Show Notes
Zzz . . . Conk out to this midweek short-story reading of "El Verdugo" by Honoré de Balzac zzz
This episode is proudly sponsored by ButcherBox. Go to butcherbox.com/sleepy and use code "sleepy” to enjoy your choice of bone-in chicken thighs, top sirloins, or salmon in every box for an entire year, plus get $20 off!
For an ad-free version of Sleepy, go to patreon.com/sleepyradio and donate $2! Or click the blue Sleepy logo on the banner of this Spotify page. Thanks zzz
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