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Helen Maria Williams wrote several letters about her experiences in France. She describes the emotional climate just after the French revolution. We see through her imagery the sacrifices of the citizens, the strength of the women, and political and historical consequences of assassinating the King of France.
In a letter about the “Depiction of the Federation” Williams describes the sacrifices citizens from all walks of life made to erect The Champ De Mars into an amphitheatre. “Twenty days[‘] labour, animated by the enthusiasm of the people, accomplished what seemed to require the toil of years. Already in the Champ De Mars the distinctions of rank were forgotten; and, inspired by the same spirit, the highest and lowest orders of citizens glorified in taking up the spade, and assisting the persons employed in a work on which the common welfare of the sate depended.” (Page 38). I immediately imagined people of all walks of life mingling together digging. After a long while of working, it would be difficult to tell them apart, all equally sweating and dirty. The scene in my head had men acting like comrades as they drank water from a wooden ladle out of the same bucket, slapping each other on the back, huge smiles on their faces while laughing and cheering. Williams’ comment gives us an idea of the electricity in the atmosphere.
Helen Maria Williams held the women of France in high regard. Her comments regarding the sacrifices made by the women of France show us her admiration for their deeds. “The number of those who have murmured at the loss of rank, bears a very small proportions to those who have acted with a spirit of distinguished patriotism; who with those generous affections which belong to the female heart, have gloried in sacrificing titles, fortune, and even the personal ornaments, so dear to female vanity, for the common cause”. (page 41) Do you hear the admiration in her voice for these women? I cannot begin to equate this to modern times, but we could probably start with no makeup, hair products, designer clothes, and handbags and not come close to the sacrifices these women made. She later explains the role of women in the French revolution. “The women have certainly had a considerable share in the French revolution for, whatever the imperious lords of the creation may fancy, the most important events which take place in this world depend a little on our influence; and we often act in human affairs like those secret springs in mechanism, by which, though invisible, great movements are regulated.” (page 41). There is a very small but powerful word in that last statement; that word is our. Williams speaks of “our influence,” because women no matter status tend to stick together in our plight against a common enemy, men.
In life, we must be accountable for the consequences of our actions. Williams talks about historical consequences for the assassination of Lewis the Sixteenth. She acknowledges the evidence of the king’s guilt and her confidence that history will also condemn him. Her concern lies in the guilt of his accusers. “But Lewis the sixteenth will not stand alone at the bar of posterity. His judges also must appear at the tribunal; on them, also, the historian will pass sentence.” (page42). She goes on to explain that the king was not only stripped of his rights to the monarchy, but of his rights as a citizen, as they are not mutually exclusive. This seems eerily close to home for our generation. Lewis the sixteenth did commit many crimes against his people. How is his execution different from what we did to Osama Bin Laden? We were his trial, judge, and jury. I am not saying his death was not warranted. What will the historical consequences for his death be for our country? Where do we draw the line in the future? The leader of Iraq received a trial before his execution. How will Bin Laden’s execution dictate our actions against future antagonists? Did we open a can of worms or put a lid on one?
Helen Marie Williams offers us a firsthand account of the atmosphere in France following one of the most important political events in history. She provides us with personal accounts as well as raising important questions to consider regarding France’s history.
***remember be nice in your responses! I am very patriotic and celebrate the fact that my father is a veteran and my son wants to join the Navy.
