Subject
France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 -- Drama Books
Best books
Romain Rolland
The Fourteenth of July, and Danton: Two Plays of the French Revolution
"The Fourteenth of July and Danton: Two Plays of the French Revolution" by Romain Rolland is a collection of historical plays written during the early 20th century. The work dramatizes significant events from the French Revolution, focusing on the interplay between individual heroes and the collective will of the people. The plays emphasize themes of liberty, social justice, and the moral truths behind revolutionary movements. The opening of "The Fourteenth of July" introduces the tense atmosphere in Paris leading up to the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789. It captures the excitement and anxiety among various social classes as they react to the perceived threats from the monarchy. The dialogue features characters such as Camille Desmoulins and members of the crowd who discuss strategies and fears while urging each other to unite against the oppressive forces. The scene is laden with rich dialogue that reveals the characters' passions and the weight of societal expectations, setting the stage for the ensuing revolution. The focus on the "People" as a collective character emphasizes Rolland's aim to portray the revolution as a movement driven by the masses rather than just a few historical figures.
Mary Johnston
The Goddess of Reason: A Drama in Five Acts
"The Goddess of Reason: A Drama in Five Acts" by Mary Johnston is a historical drama written in the early 20th century. Set during the tumultuous era of the French Revolution, the play explores themes of class struggle, loyalty, and the complexities of power dynamics between nobles and peasants. The narrative centers around René-Amaury de Vardes, the new Baron of Morbec, and the struggle between his noble lineage and the revolutionary fervor of his peasant subjects, particularly focusing on a character named Yvette, who embodies the passions and resentments of the oppressed. The opening of the drama introduces a luxurious yet decaying world, where Rémond Lalain, a Deputy, seeks an audience with Baron René de Vardes, who has just inherited the château following his cousin’s death. As discussions unfold among the guests about the political turmoil and peasant uprisings, hints of discontent among the lower classes become evident. Lalain’s fervor for revolutionary ideals clashes with the grandeur and entitlement represented by the nobility. The narrative also introduces Yvette, a peasant girl, believed to have a significant role in the unfolding revolution, as she grapples with her identity and feelings toward her noble oppressor. This opening sets the stage for the characters' conflicts and the larger societal struggles that will permeate the narrative.
Sylvain Maréchal
Le jugement dernier des rois
"Le jugement dernier des rois" by Sylvain Maréchal is a one-act prophecy presented in prose, written during the late 18th century. This theatrical piece centers around the theme of kings and tyrants being brought to justice, reflecting the revolutionary sentiments of its time, particularly in relation to the upheaval during and after the French Revolution. It serves as a social commentary on the roles and responsibilities of rulers versus the rights of the people. The narrative unfolds in a volcanic island where all the kings of Europe are sent as punishment for their tyranny. A French elder, who has been exiled there for twenty years, encounters a group of sans-culottes who inform him of the downfall of monarchies across Europe. The sans-culottes bring the deposed kings to this island, where they must fend for themselves, devoid of their previous privileges and grandeur. The play culminates in a chaotic and violent confrontation among the kings as they struggle for survival, reflecting their folly and impotence when stripped of power. Maréchal's work is both satirical and critical, emphasizing themes of liberty, equality, and the harsh realities faced by those once deemed powerful.
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