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The Fourteenth of July, and Danton: Two Plays of the French Revolution

Written by Romain Rolland

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France

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About this book

"The Fourteenth of July and Danton: Two Plays of the French Revolution" by Romain Rolland is a collection of historical plays written during the early 20th century. The work dramatizes significant events from the French Revolution, focusing on the interplay between individual heroes and the collective will of the people. The plays emphasize themes of liberty, social justice, and the moral truths behind revolutionary movements. The opening of "The Fourteenth of July" introduces the tense atmosphere in Paris leading up to the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789. It captures the excitement and anxiety among various social classes as they react to the perceived threats from the monarchy. The dialogue features characters such as Camille Desmoulins and members of the crowd who discuss strategies and fears while urging each other to unite against the oppressive forces. The scene is laden with rich dialogue that reveals the characters' passions and the weight of societal expectations, setting the stage for the ensuing revolution. The focus on the "People" as a collective character emphasizes Rolland's aim to portray the revolution as a movement driven by the masses rather than just a few historical figures.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Fourteenth of July, and Danton: Two Plays of the French Revolution, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • intense
  • historic
  • tragic

Romain Rolland's "The Fourteenth of July, and Danton" presents two powerful historical plays dramatizing pivotal moments of the French Revolution. The first play vividly captures the escalating tension and collective fervor of the Parisian populace leading up to the storming of the Bastille, emphasizing the emergence of the 'People' as a unified, driving force for change. The second play, "Danton," delves into the complex moral and political struggles of one of the revolution's most iconic figures, exploring themes of leadership, sacrifice, and the often-brutal realities of revolutionary justice. Together, the plays offer a nuanced examination of liberty, social justice, and the moral complexities inherent in movements driven by the collective will against oppressive forces, contrasting initial revolutionary idealism with its later, more tragic consequences.

“"We are the People, and the People will not be silent! Let the Bastille tremble, for its stones are built on our chains!"”

Key themes

The Will of the People vs. Individual Leadership
Rolland explores the tension between the spontaneous, often chaotic, power of the collective will and the guiding, sometimes dictatorial, influence of individual leaders. 'The Fourteenth of July' celebrates the former, showing the masses as the true engine of change, while 'Danton' examines the challenges and tragedies inherent when individual leaders attempt to control or direct this collective force.
Liberty and Tyranny
At the core of both plays is the fundamental struggle between the desire for liberty and the oppressive forces of tyranny. The plays dramatize the breaking of chains, but also the potential for a new form of tyranny to emerge from the ashes of the old, raising questions about the true meaning and cost of freedom.
Justice and Morality in Revolution
Rolland delves into the complex ethical landscape of revolutionary movements, questioning what constitutes justice during periods of radical change. The plays explore whether ends justify means, the morality of violence for a cause, and the internal conflicts faced by those who must make impossible choices in the name of a new order.

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How do Rolland's plays portray the concept of 'The People' as a character, and what are the implications of this approach?

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