El Dorado · Chapter
In the Théâtre National explained
On the evening of January 16, 1794, the Théâtre National is packed for a revival of Molière's Le Misanthrope.
What happens
On the evening of January 16, 1794, the Théâtre National is packed for a revival of Molière's Le Misanthrope. The chapter contrasts the city's pursuit of pleasure with the ever-present terror of the guillotine. In a darkened box, Armand St. Just and Baron de Batz observe the audience, identifying key revolutionary figures like Foucquier-Tinville and Héron. De Batz explains the new decree granting spies like Héron sweeping powers of arrest and search, rewarding them 35 livres for each victim sent to the guillotine. Armand, idealistic and horrified, argues for rescuing the innocent, but de Batz counsels patience, viewing the bloodshed as a necessary step toward restoring the monarchy.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
The new decree gives spies like Héron absolute discretion to arrest anyone deemed an 'enemy of public welfare,' turning surveillance into a profit-driven enterprise and corrupting the ideals of the Revolution.
Innocence and Suffering
The chapter contrasts the frivolous theatre audience with the ever-present threat of the guillotine, highlighting how innocent lives are casually sacrificed for political ends.
Revolution and Terror
The chapter vividly depicts the Reign of Terror, where revolutionary leaders like Danton and Robespierre are both perpetrators and potential victims, and the guillotine is a constant, normalized presence.
Characters to notice
- Armand St. Just
Armand is in Paris after a long stay in England. He is idealistic and horrified by the new decree, arguing passionately for rescuing the innocent from the terror.
- De Batz
De Batz is Armand's companion in the darkened box. He is cynical and calculating, explaining the workings of the new spy law and advocating patience for the sake of monarchist restoration.
- Chauvelin
Chauvelin is not directly present in this excerpt, but the atmosphere of surveillance and the new decree empowering spies like Héron sets the stage for his later actions.
- Marguerite Blakeney
Marguerite is mentioned only as Armand's sister, Lady Blakeney, establishing her connection to Armand and the Blakeney family.
- Héron
Héron is pointed out by de Batz as the chief agent of the Committee of General Security, a powerful and cunning spy who will profit from the new decree.
- Robespierre
Robespierre is seen in the audience, his neatly bewigged head appearing in a box, symbolizing the cold, calculating power behind the Revolution.
- Danton
Danton is described as a shaggy-coated lion elbowing his way into the stalls; de Batz predicts he will soon be accused of moderation and perish.
Key passages
“A grim sense of humour, born of the very intensity of ever-present danger, had dubbed the cut of certain tunics " tête tranchée ," or a favourite ragoût was called "à la guillotine."”
The constant threat of death had spawned a dark humor, with fashion cuts called 'severed head' and stews named 'guillotine-style.'
Illustrates how the guillotine permeated everyday life and language in Paris.
“The agents of the Committee of General Security... have full powers to proceed against all enemies of public welfare. Isn't that beautifully vague?”
The new decree gives spies unlimited authority to arrest anyone they deem a threat to public welfare, a deliberately broad and dangerous definition.
De Batz's sarcastic comment highlights the arbitrary nature of the new law.
“Danton, who thought the guillotine too slow in its work, and armed thirty soldiers with swords, so that thirty heads might fall at one and the same time.”
Danton once found the guillotine too slow and had thirty soldiers use swords to kill thirty people simultaneously.
Shows Danton's brutal past and foreshadows his own potential downfall.
