After finishing my reading, I am convinced that timing plays a huge role in the received attention of revolutionary writings. In the "Manifesto of the Equals", Pierre-Sylvain Maréchal attempts to seize the moment in France just after the fall of Robespierre and the end of the French Revolution. In order to persuade the people of France to pursue a more equal society, he follows a certain structure. First, he draws upon history to help the people feel the abuse of inequality in France for several hundred years. Second, he draws upon present events, including the supposed brink of victory the people have just witnessed by the coming of the French Revolution. Lastly, he appeals to his audience through a emotionally charged call to action.
Maréchal must have sensed that he needed a strong pathos approach rather than a logos approach. There may be many reasons for this, but I suspect that in light of the dramatic events of the French Revolution would require a dramatic display of emotions in order to get people to act. His most used phrase in his writing is the shout out "PEOPLE OF FRANCE!". This is a use of repetition in order to get people's attention. However, it is also an attempt to draw upon the national identity of France in order to achieve a more nationalistic approach to his rhetoric. Another word he commonly repeats include "always", to help the people realize how unequal the people have always been. His call to history, and the style in which he did so, reminded me of the "Communist Manifesto", which stated that history had always been defined as a class struggle.
While I don't think Maréchal could have convinced me to take such bold action if I lived during the time, I did find his writings to be very moving. He really tried to capture the moment as a period where France could make some positive changes very easily if they chose to do so quickly. Unfortunately, the new government did find Maréchal's so convincing, as they killed him shortly after the "Manifesto of the Equals" was published. Perhaps the timing for Maréchal was a little off.
I think it very interesting to note that he was killed soon after his "Manifesto of Equals" was published. It just goes to show how powerful rhetoric really is. Its potent enough to move governments and others to feel a need to silence people permanently.
ReplyDeleteIn what arena was the speech given? If it were in a very crowded, public place I think you may have been more inclined to follow him than you think now. Professor Burton gave us the bowling scenario in class: no one is particularly excited to go, but as long as you don't hate bowling you will likely tag along. Mass attraction to the decisive and passionate actions of a leader affect normal thought processes.
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