Social Class and Revolution

Where it surfaces

• The Republican

  André-Louis critiques the revolutionary movement as a bourgeois power grab, contrasting it with the idealistic hopes of Philippe.

• II: The Aristocrat

  The contrast between the rustic Seigneur de Gavrillac and the aristocratic Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr illustrates the class divisions that fueled revolutionary tensions.

• III: The Eloquence of M. de Vilmorin

  Philippe's passionate denunciation of feudal abuses and his defense of the Third Estate's rights highlight the growing class conflict that fuels revolutionary sentiment.

• The Lord of Gavrillac

  The tension between André-Louis's lower social standing and the Marquis's noble privilege highlights the class divisions that fuel revolutionary sentiment.

• The Windmill

  André-Louis's confrontation with Lesdiguières highlights the injustice of a system where nobles are above the law, and his wolf-and-tiger parable foreshadows revolutionary uprising.

• Omnes Omnibus

  André-Louis's speech explicitly calls for the Third Estate to rise against the aristocracy, framing the struggle as one of class liberation.

• III: The Comic Muse

  The contrast between the troupe's poverty and the luxury of the nobility is implicit, and André-Louis's low wages and the 'winter of starvation' underscore the class disparities that fueled revolutionary sentiment.

• VI: Climène

  André-Louis's rise from a fugitive to a key figure in the troupe, and his bold negotiation with Binet, reflect class tensions and the potential for personal revolution within social hierarchies.

• VIII: The Dream

  André-Louis's disguise as an actor and his defense of Climène challenge class prejudices, while Aline's contempt for actresses reflects aristocratic attitudes.

• IX: The Awakening

  André-Louis's revelation of his bastard origins and the Marquis's aristocratic privilege highlight class divisions, foreshadowing revolutionary tensions.

• X: Contrition

  Aline's preference for a 'cobbler who practised decency' over a marquis challenges class-based marriage conventions, hinting at the revolutionary questioning of aristocratic privilege.

• II: Quos Deus Vult Perdere

  André-Louis observes the suffering of the proletariat and the ambitions of the bourgeois, highlighting class tensions and the revolutionary struggle.

• III: President Le Chapelier

  André-Louis's rise from fugitive to prosperous academy owner mirrors the shifting social order; Le Chapelier's prominence contrasts with the burning of noble châteaux.

• IV: Interlude

  The unrest in Paris, the resistance of Privilege, and the emigration of nobles illustrate the class conflicts driving the Revolution.

• V: At Meudon

  André-Louis defends his revolutionary actions as necessary for justice, while M. de Kercadiou blames him for the destruction of aristocratic property.

• Madame de Plougastel

  André-Louis argues against hereditary privilege and for a merit-based society, while Mme. de Plougastel defends the necessity of a governing class.

• VIII: The Spadassinicides

  The conflict between the Third Estate and the Privileged party is central, with André-Louis representing the revolutionary side.

• XI: The Returning Carriage

  M. de Kercadiou's letter explicitly invokes class distinctions, arguing that a gentleman's honor binds him while a commoner may retreat without shame, highlighting the social tensions of the era.

• XIII: Towards the Climax

  The chapter details the struggle between the Crown, the nobility, and the revolutionary factions, highlighting the class tensions that fuel the political crisis.

• Safe-Conduct

  The Marquis justifies killing Vilmorin as necessary to preserve the social order, highlighting class conflict.

• Sunrise

  André-Louis critiques the Revolution's descent into mob rule and class-based government, justifying his decision to emigrate.