Eugène Sue
The Iron Trevet; or, Jocelyn the Champion: A Tale of the Jacquerie
"The Iron Trevet; or, Jocelyn the Champion: A Tale of the Jacquerie" by Eugène Sue is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. This work explores themes of social justice and class struggle during the tumultuous period of the Jacquerie, a peasant revolt in France. The story centers on several historical figures, but prominently features the champion Jocelyn and the serf Mazurec, who finds himself embroiled in the oppressive system of feudal rights, particularly the infamous right of first fruits. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to the tavern of Alison the Huffy in the small town of Nointel, where townsfolk gather to await the Sunday mass. Among them are Jocelyn, a champion skilled in combat, and William Caillet, a serf burdened by despair. Caillet shares the plight of his daughter and her fiancé, Mazurec, who faces a judicial duel against a knight after being wronged by the local seigneur. This duel serves as a central conflict, highlighting Mazurec's struggle against feudal cruelty and the broader theme of serfs fighting back against their oppressors. The emotional ties between the characters, coupled with the historical and social context, set the stage for the unfolding drama and conflict inherent in class struggles of the time.