Scaramouche · Chapter
II: Quos Deus Vult Perdere explained
André-Louis settles into his new life as a fencing instructor in Paris, observing the political turmoil of spring and summer 1789.
What happens
André-Louis settles into his new life as a fencing instructor in Paris, observing the political turmoil of spring and summer 1789. He watches the growing hunger and distress, the paralysis of trade, and the assembly of the States General. He encounters the Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr in the Palais Royal gardens, exchanging threats. Later, he witnesses the crowd's fury and the dragoons' charge led by the Prince de Lambesc, which results in the death of his friend and master, Bertrand des Amis, trampled by cavalry.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Revolution
André-Louis observes the suffering of the proletariat and the ambitions of the bourgeois, highlighting class tensions and the revolutionary struggle.
Eloquence and Power
The power of speech is emphasized through Camille Desmoulins' fiery oratory and André-Louis' own dangerous eloquence when confronting the Marquis.
Fate and Free Will
André-Louis reflects on his earlier misconceptions and the inevitability of revolutionary change, while characters are swept along by events beyond their control.
Characters to notice
- André-Louis Moreau
Observes the political events in Paris, encounters the Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr, and witnesses the death of his friend Bertrand des Amis.
- Marquis de La Tour d'Azyr
Confronts André-Louis in the Palais Royal gardens, threatening to denounce him to the police.
- Bertrand des Amis
André-Louis' friend and master at the fencing academy; goes out for news and is trampled to death by dragoons.
- Le Chapelier
Mentioned as a prominent deputy arriving for the States General.
- Prince de Lambesc
Leads the dragoons in the Tuileries Gardens, ordering them to fire on the crowd.
- Camille Desmoulins
Raised the call to arms at the Palais Royal, described as a stuttering firebrand.
- M. Necker
The Swiss banker whose effigy was smashed by the crowd; his genius is referenced in relation to the economic crisis.
- Besenval
Brings up Swiss troops and artillery, orders dragoons to disperse the crowd.
Key passages
“Quos Deus Vult Perdere”
Whom God wishes to destroy
The chapter title, a Latin phrase suggesting divine punishment or destruction.
“It is time to cut the cable.”
The moment has come to break free from the old order.
Spoken by the Abbé Siéyès, signaling the decisive action of the Third Estate.
“The soil is parched, and thirsty for it.”
The land is desperate for the blood of the nobility.
André-Louis warns the Marquis that the people's thirst for revenge will lead to noble bloodshed.