Posted on 07/14/2014 6:16:20 PM PDT by matthewrobertolson
In recognition of Bastille Day, I, in this special Monday episode, discuss "the book that caused the French Revolution": Les Liaisons Dangereuses (The Dangerous Liaisons), written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. The book -- perhaps somewhat unintentionally -- set off pious sentiment against the Ancien Regime, and its influence carries on today.
(Alternative link, via Vimeo.)
Summary:
I start off the show with a brief primer on Bastille Day and immediately begin a summary of the characters and events in this novel, breaking down its story of lust and love. I then cite some of its distinctively Catholic elements. Next, I just barely touch on the Ancien Regime and the Revolution and I mention the piety of the peasant class in France at the time. Finally, I look at the author's motives and the book's importance today.
—
Follow me and Catholic Analysis on Twitter, Like Catholic Analysis and Answering Protestants on Facebook, Add Catholic Analysis and Answering Protestants to your Circles on Google+, and Subscribe to me or Catholic Analysis on YouTube.
‘twas the zeitgeist. Catherine the Great, the American and French Revolutions...it was when men cast off royalty for elected citizens. To say that this book caused it seems a stretch...but who knows?
French National Anthem - “La Marseillaise” (French/English)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIQSEq6tEVs
I had a really guilty pleasure in reading that novel — and (tooting my horn here) in its original French. It really captured the spirit of that era. Actually, though, it had an underlying moral voice & sly comment on the decadence of that society.
Cool! You get a gold star! :)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.