Emily Deathridge
Professor Hardy
Western Civilization 242
February 22, 2013
Anatole France’s Mindset of the French Revolution Anatole France’s The Gods will have Blood took place in the late time period of the French Revolution. He used this story to depict the cultural and social impacts that this time period had upon the French society. All classes at this time were targeted and were given little to no cause of justification. France uses characters to portray this time era and their struggle for the embodiment of power and whether it is good or evil. Throughout The Gods will have Blood, Gamelin speaks of his beliefs within the revolution and on his trust within the ideas of Marat and Robespierre. He used the theme of violence that eventually helped progress into an inspiration leading to the Revolution. Throughout this novel, we find that Robespierre and Gamelin are two very influential people because not only do their actions characterize power, they show how power is a corrupting force when put in the hands of a few. During the years of the French Revolution there were blasts of changes that were being made that would perpetually change history. Anatole France’s The Gods will have Blood took place during the terrifying time of terror in which many were executed for the belief that it was justice to kill those who were no longer loyal to the Republic. This time period caused such a stir of emotions within society because it targeted anyone and showed little mercy. A new tool during the terror time period developed and was known as the guillotine. It quickly became a bloody symbol of the French Revolution and of government terror to intimidate society. On page 75, Gamelin quotes, “Only the Guillotine can save our Country!” As Gamelin gained a spot he quickly goes mad and begins to lose himself. Gamelin started to develop more of a passion for the Republic