I Will Repay · Chapter
XX: The Cheval Borgne explained
The chapter describes the squalid meeting place of the ultra-sansculotte party, the Auberge du Cheval Borgne, where a group of revolutionaries gather to discuss their hatred of the Republic's enemies.
What happens
The chapter describes the squalid meeting place of the ultra-sansculotte party, the Auberge du Cheval Borgne, where a group of revolutionaries gather to discuss their hatred of the Republic's enemies. Citizen Lenoir attacks Citizen Merlin for failing to find sufficient evidence against Déroulède, arguing that a true patriot would forge documents if necessary. The atmosphere is one of paranoia and bloodlust, with the members ready to turn on each other.
Themes in this chapter
Mob Mentality and Populism
The chapter vividly portrays the mob's bloodlust and the ease with which Lenoir manipulates the crowd against Merlin, showing how populist rhetoric can turn on its own.
Betrayal and Trust
Merlin is betrayed by his own colleagues who are ready to sacrifice him for their failure to convict Déroulède, highlighting the lack of trust among revolutionaries.
Class and Revolution
The squalor of the Cheval Borgne contrasts with the aristocratic refinement it once hosted, symbolizing the revolution's descent into vice and tyranny.
Characters to notice
- Citizen Lenoir
Lenoir is the main speaker, a burly coal-heaver who harangues the assembly, accusing Merlin of being too weak and advocating for forging evidence against Déroulède.
- Citizen Merlin
Merlin is present and under attack for his failure to find proofs against Déroulède; he feels his life may be in danger from the mob.
- Foucquier-Tinville
Tinville comments sarcastically, accusing Merlin of hypocrisy in framing laws he does not obey.
- Paul Déroulède
Déroulède is the target of the conspirators' hatred; they discuss forging evidence against him.
- Juliette de Marny
Juliette is mentioned as the woman who denounced Déroulède and then claimed the burnt papers were love letters.
- Marat
Marat is referenced as the founder of the organisation that meets at the Cheval Borgne, now murdered.
Key passages
“Real patriotism, as the true Jacobin understands it, makes the proofs it wants and leaves nothing to chance.”
Lenoir argues that a genuine patriot forges evidence rather than relying on what is found.
Lenoir's speech encapsulates the cynical manipulation of justice by the revolutionaries.
“Are we aristocrats that we should hesitate to play the part of jackal to this cunning fox?”
Lenoir mocks Merlin for being too scrupulous to forge documents against Déroulède.
This rhetorical question underscores the theme of class and the rejection of aristocratic morals.