1789 - Révolution
Themes:
The Death of Marat - through the eyes of the Assassin Charlotte Corday's cousin: The protagonist, a humble carpenter, is deeply affected by the news of Marat's death. As he reflects on the revolutionary ideals that drove his cousin to commit the act, he grapples with his own role in the unfolding events.
Bleeding it out in the tub: This theme takes on added significance for our carpenter, whose hands are calloused from years of hard labor. As he witnesses the bloodshed of the revolution, he is reminded of the sacrifices made by ordinary people like himself.
Our protagonist sees his work as a source of pride and identity, much like Jesus, who was also a carpenter. He draws strength from his craftsmanship and the solidarity of his fellow workers.
Charlotte's cousin the guillotine maker: As a proletarian craftsman, the protagonist's livelihood is directly tied to the violence of the revolution. He wrestles with the ethical implications of his work, knowing that each guillotine he constructs will be used to take another life.
Disillusionment with Robespierre's failures: The carpenter's disillusionment with Robespierre and the revolutionary leadership stems from his belief that the revolution has failed to deliver on its promises to the working class. He sees the Reign of Terror as a betrayal of the ideals for which he and his comrades have fought.
Cult of the Supreme Being ushers in the Reign of Terror: The rise of the Cult of the Supreme Being exacerbates the protagonist's disillusionment, as he sees it as a cynical attempt to manipulate the masses and justify the regime's brutality.
Story Development:
The scene opens in the carpenter's workshop, where the protagonist toils away, crafting furniture for the bourgeoisie by day and guillotines for the revolutionaries by night.
He shares his frustrations with his fellow workers, who echo his sentiments about the failure of the revolution to improve their lives.
When news of Marat's death reaches them, Charlotte is hailed as a hero by some and condemned as a traitor by others. The protagonist wrestles with conflicting emotions, torn between loyalty to his family and his growing disillusionment with the revolution.
As the Reign of Terror descends upon Paris, the protagonist becomes increasingly radicalized, joining a group of proletarian revolutionaries who seek to overthrow the ruling elite and establish a society based on equality and justice.
The scene ends with the carpenter and his comrades taking to the streets, their fists raised in defiance against the forces of oppression. They are determined to fight for a better future, even if it means risking everything.
This development underscores the protagonist's proletarian identity and positions him as a champion of the working class in the struggle against tyranny and injustice.