Desmond and the Backdrop of the French Revolution

While Charlotte Smith certainly does not display much caution in her discussion of French revolutionary ideals, Desmond seems to act as more than just the validation of her own beliefs.  The novel appears to be concerned with English and French relations, the ways in which people discuss the Revolution, and a future beyond, where various national and domestic principles can unite.  I assume that by the end of the novel we will see the unification of these ideas take place through the situation and relationships of the characters.  But for now, problems and political tensions are explored through argumentation and the way in which people react to unfortunate situations.

Besides Desmond, Bethel, and Montfleuri, Smith does not portray the wealthy with much sympathy.  Not only are they often rude and hypocritical, their arguments are completely unsound and based on antiquated notions of blood and superiority that do nothing to further their claims.  Many of the most adamant opponents to the Revolution we encounter are Englishmen, as there seems to be an underlying fear of this political action spreading, a "dread that the light of reason thus rapidly advancing, which has shewn...how to overturn the massy and cumbrous edifice of despotism, will make too evident, the faults of their own system of government, which it is their particular interest to screen from research and reformation" (101).  There is also much resentment between the English and French people, a bitterness furthered by the French involvement in the American Revolution.  This bitterness perpetuates bias and misinformation between the two countries. 

The first examples we see of this are with Lord Newminster and General Wallingford.  More important than their ridiculous conversation about the abolishment of titles is the way in which the Fairfax women react to and regard them.  Viewing them as unquestionably wise because of their station, the women are blind to their rude manners and therefore influenced by their idiotic claims.  Like Wollstonecraft, Smith argues through Desmond that people be ranked based on merit alone and not on, as Mrs. Fairfax regards, "those ancient and honourable names which [distinguish] them from the vulgar herd" (71).  We see shortly later during a conversation between Desmond, a doctor, and a Mr. Sidebottom how hypocritical and senseless the wealthy can be to the merits which supposedly distinguish them.  After the doctor denies any corruptions within the French clergy and Mr. Sidebottom carries on about how much he hates French food, Desmond watches them criticize a destitute French woman and her children while the Doctor pretentiously gives her sixpence for a journey back to France.  Desmond of course sees to her safe return to France, showing his philanthropy without the need of a title, religious or otherwise. 

Later on when Desmond is traveling with Monfleuri, we see him get into a substantial argument with the Count d'Hauteville over the abolishment of titles.  The Count, who would rather leave France than lose his own title, argues that "the wisdom of ancient kings created this distinction...they thought it expedient to raise the brave and valiant above the common level of mankind...if these sacred distinctions be annihilated....I assert, that there is an end, not only of justice, but of emulation, subordination...the world will become a chaos of confusion and outrage" (136-37).  Desmond replies that "if it be a degradation to be accounted only men, [he really is] much concerned," (137) and asks whether "a dealer in wine, or in wood, in sugar, or cloth, is not endued with the same faculties and feelings as the descendant of Charlemagne; and whether the accidental advantage of being able to produce a long pedigree...ought to give to the noble who possesses it, a right to consider every lower rank of men as being of an inferior and subordinate species" (137).  He then reassures the Count that the poor will not usurp the rich "so long as [his] riches are a benefit and not an oppression to [them]," (138).  After being thus insulted, the Count can only spit venom and return once again to the ancestral value of the title system.  Through these many arguments, Desmond shows the inability of the wealthy to reasonably or rationally defend their titles and other systems of oppression that have since been banned from France. 

Here is a link to a short blog that does a good job of explaining the various British reactions to the French Revolution, with links to other resources as well in case anyone is interested.

Discussion Questions:

How do the themes and issues of the French Revolution relate to everything else happening in the novel?  How are the characters affected by these events and discussions?

Smith seems to be criticizing a certain type of argument in opposition to the Revolution.  How do the arguments presented reflect real life conversations going on at the time?  How is Smith responding to the proponents and opponents she names in her novel?