The play La Jeunesse de Polichinelle (Polichinelle’s Youth) is part of the collection Guignol : Livre de la jeunesse (Guignol: Book of youth), arranged and improved by Alfred des Essarts. It is composed of novels, short stories, poems, articles, and a collection of puppet plays gathered under the label “Théâtre Guignol”. However, it is not an authentic transcription of the real Théâtre Guignol, but a rather loose and light-hearted adaptation destined for children.

During a May Day, as peasants are dancing and singing, Polichinelle chases them with blows of his stick. In the meantime, it is discovered that it is his twentieth birthday. Happy to be finally of age, he orders his servant to organise a feast. Shortly after, he encounters Crocofante, a sword fighter who suggests that he enlists to serve the State. However, Polichinelle prefers his stick and immoral pleasures to a sword and honour. Crocofante is offended and challenges him to a duel. Polichinelle agrees, but only after the feast, which turns into a real “bastonnade” (stick beating) where he insults his father and other guests. Soon after, Polichinelle kills the servants Alain and Nerina, accuses Crocofante, and has him arrested in his stead.