Class Conflict

The French monarchy totally collapses three years after the start of the Revolution. The Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and universal brotherhood are the supposed motivation behind the Revolution. During the Revolution aristocrats are hunted, arrested, imprisoned, and executed. The impersonal, mechanical slaughter of thousands of people makes the guillotine a universal symbol of terror. The play suggests that all of this effort is for naught as rule of France is eventually gained by Napoleon, who is just as oppressive and tyrannical as the previous kings of France. The poor are never able to obtain more money or food even though they are the ones who feel the burden of the Revolution the most. There is ultimately no gain after the Revolution for any of the poorer classes. These poor rise up to seize control of their country and attempt to make the rights of the aristocracy...