Christopher Booker is a scholar who wrote that every story falls into one of seven basic plot structures: Overcoming the Monster, Rags to Riches, the Quest, Voyage and Return, Comedy, Tragedy, and Rebirth. Shmoop explores which of these structures fits this story like Cinderella’s slipper.
Plot Type : Voyage and Return
Anticipation Stage
Rousseau has no clue how awesome his childhood is. He frolicks around, getting into mischief and reading every book he comes across. All those books give him a pretty good understanding of human emotion and passion, though. He may not be a worldly fellow, but he knows the world has a lot to offer.
Initial Fascination or Dream Stage
Rousseau heads off to make a living for himself. He refuses to be content with Mme de Warens's support alone. Instead, he tries his hand at a bunch of different professions. With Mme de Warens in his corner and confidence in his superior writing abilities, it seems like Rousseau's got it made.
Frustration Stage
Mme de Warens abruptly dumps Rousseau for a younger model, leaving him unimpressed with romance. He gets fired from a job in Italy and then gets in hot water for being a little too friendly with a certain attached lady. All of his pals say nasty things behind his back. It's safe to say that Rousseau is fed up with the whole situation.
Nightmare Stage
Think it's bad to have a bunch of angry ex-friends? Rousseau soon learns that it's even worse to have the courts of Paris gunning for you. His blasphemous books land him in trouble with the authorities and the local populace.
Thrilling Escape and Return:
When Rousseau finally flees France for Switzerland, he can't help but kiss the ground. You might want to save those smooches, Rousseau. Switzerland chases him off, too, leaving him with only one place to run: England. He returns to his writing and reading among a couple of decidedly unimpressed pals.