Index ~ Perseus et la Gorgone

Jack Rackam's historical comedies led me down a rabbit hole of wanting to learn more about the French Revolution. From there I opened Pandora's box of, "are there A03 French Revolution fics?" That in turn caused me to land on Les Saisons by Ethike Arete which of course evolved into this lol.

My short story Perseus et la Gorgone was inspired in part by a dream. In it, I dreamt of Antoine ( Saint-Just ) flirting with Maxime ( Robespierre ) and it being awkward because of Maxime’s low self-esteem and timid personality.

Of course, it’s of historical likelihood that both men were only platonic ( and I personally believe so ). But their nature and acts fit tropes I adore be it platonic or romantic. The bookworm and the jock, the broken ace / woobie ( concerning Maxime’s deteriorating mental and physical health ), the ride or die ( Antoine to Maxime ) to list a few.

Although I love history and read many documents pertaining to Rome, the Americas, and Russia, I've only done light reading concerning the French Revolution. My knowledge contains a few excerpts I could translate from French to English, brief papers concerning certain events and people, and posts on Rodama1789's blog. I’m sure if I consumed entire books a lot of PelG would change. But I did attempt to gather basal key traits pertaining to both men’s lives, personalities, and politics and expound upon what I felt could be exaggerated. Elements I had little to no knowledge of or could not source I kept limited or vague. Otherwise, my obsession for accuracy would mean I'd never get this done if it were event and date-specific. Of course, it should be of note that when I write fiction in which the framework is of important historical people and events from the perspective of those individuals, I attempt to take no sides on the politics therein. If any side is taken, it is to reflect the character's perception of a topic in a way they'd most naturally respond. It matters not if I'm writing from the viewpoint and life of Louis XVI, Odoacer, Tsar Nicholas II, Ivan the Terrible, or Benjamin Franklin. Sincere attempts will be made to describe a person's nature, intents, and actions in a way appropriate to them and their experiences, even if I choose to alter a key trait. In this case, a homosexual relationship between Maximilien and Saint-Just.

Either way, I hope this short story brings some joy to those who consume it as I descend into the pits of hell for publishing this.

~ People ~

Maximilien "Maxime" Robespierre: ( The bookworm / wallflower ) A studious and well-read lawyer from a middle-class background. In his youth, Maxime earned so many scholarships he requested his university grant the excess to his brother Augustin. Anecdotal accounts by contemporaries vary concerning his personality. What appears to be consistent is that Maxime was subdued, aloof, and awkward, even in the privacy of those he loved. Although others note a hint of charisma that naturally gifted his brother Augustin. Concerning Maxime's alleged anxiety, one associate notes that Maxime confided to him that he was as timid as a child while orating for the various committees. That he often had to work up the composure to do so. Others note this timid nature was natural for him and were thus shocked at his blossoming despotism and brutality towards the elite and civilians the more he participated in the revolution. Accounts of his childhood, primarily from his sister Charolette, seem to illustrate a boy of a passive disposition. His love for animals, specifically birds, went uncontested. And as an adult, he owned a parrot and a large breed dog named Brount. He also had ailments of varying types that seemed to worsen as the stress of his roles and potential mental illness worsened his health. His sexuality is unknown, but both Charlotte and Georges Danton ( in accounts I've read ) appear to mark a complete disinterest in romance with Danton claiming "he ( Maxime ) could not fuck". Although there is no confirmation, I am open to the idea of him being either asexual or low-libido. For my story, I decided to go with the latter.

Louis "Antoine" de Saint-Just ( The jock ) A rebellious youth and arguably the most loyal person to Maxime. Real-life accounts, both scornful and admiring, make note of his unwavering devotion. Antoine was so devoted that he defended Maxime at every juncture even though he knew it meant potential death to himself. After the altercation at the Hôtel de Ville Antoine's characteristic stoicism allegedly left him. He remained teary-eyed beside his friend who had been gravely wounded in the incident. He was the son of a retired French cavalry officer. While an intelligent child, he was troublesome and lacked discipline, and had to attend a disciplinary school. His repulsion towards authority remained into adulthood and after a frivolous year studying law he dropped out. Antoine showed a passion for reading and writing and penned medieval fantasies and salacious libels of the aristocracy. After failing at both law and literature, however, he turned his attention toward the army. He didn't meet the legal age and financial requirements but was allowed to join the National Guard. It was here that Antoine found a sense of discipline and purpose with swift accord. His stoicism and ruthlessness were rewarded for in a few months he was elevated to commanding officer with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

Maurice Duplay Landlord and friend of Maxime as well as a carpentry contractor and revolutionary. He is very passionate of Maxime's works and took him and his siblings ( Augustin, Charlotte ) in after the Champ de Mars massacre of 1791.

Éléonore Duplay ( Unrequited Love ) Daughter of Maurice Duplay and friend of Maxime. She is very close to Maxime, some argue obsessively so even after his execution. She was known to be articulate of political matters and to speak her mind, atypical for women of the time, and to have loved Maxime deeply. It's disputed as to if they ever had any sexual interactions or if Maxime loved her in the way that she loved him. Maxime's sister ( Charlotte ) contests this was not the case in the postmortem writings of her brothers.

Brount Maxime's molosser of disputed breed. Some note he was some sort of Pyrenees dog, but paintings suggest otherwise. To me, the descriptions are something more akin to a Bullenbeisser ( not existent yet in breeding true ) or bull dogs of old used for bull-baiting. It is known he was a loyal companion of Maxime, often accompanying him on his long daily walks.

~ Personifications ~

Maxime and Antoine were fervent readers of various mythologies of the western and eastern world. They often were inspired by these mythical heroes and alluded to them in their works.

Various references are made by Maxime concerning himself and Antoine in Perseus et la Gorgone. Below are the meanings. 

Perseus

Known for his bravery, dignity, and persistence to protect loved ones. Maxime compares Antoine to  Perseus when Antoine refuses to disown his affections for Maxime. Paris is also an accomplished fighter, much like Antoine who fought in the Austrian war.

Adonis

A mortal known for his beauty and thus a common internal compliment given to Antoine by Maxime.

Paris

A handsome and intelligent nobleman and Shepard. Even as a boy, Paris was known as the “protector of men” for his deeds ( such as stopping cattle thieves ). He was also beloved for his dedication to fairness ( as when he awarded a stranger‘s bull at a sacrifice to himself ). 

One could argue Paris mirrors Antoine’s historical persistence in protecting Maxime, even to the death. Antoine was also a legislator and orator of Robespierre’s condemning reports. 

Maxime’s comparison of Antoine to Paris is contextual and can be good or bad. In the beginning, Maxime believes Antoine's mocking his appearance and so derides him as deliberately hurting his feelings. Towards the end, this shifts.

Gorgon
Creatures feared for their monstrous and deformed appearances. Maxime had several ailments, as noted by contemporaries and current scientists. So I took the liberty of making him self-conscious of these traits. 

Interestingly, Gorgon’s only noted sex, which I could find, is female. I think it's fitting considering Maxime, when coordinated, was defined as being “feline” in movement and “somewhat effeminate” in oration and mannerisms.  

~ Locations~

Tuileries Location of the royal palace and gardens that were ransacked during the 1792 riots.
Rue Saint-Honoré The street on which Maxime lived in Maurice Duplay's estate and also the location of the Jacobin club. University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne The law school in which Antoine attended for but a year.

~ Honorable Mentions ~

Jean-Honoré Fragonard French rococo artist who painted 1767s' The Swing. He is known for his delicate portrayal of romance and has created erotic works. He's referenced due to the blossoming romance between Maxime and Antoine as well as their sexual thrusts creating a "swinging" motion.

Parcae Female personifications of destiny. They controlled the life and death of mortals, demigods, and gods.

~ Notes ~

Map I modified from Pascal's blog.

Blueprint of the Duplay Estate I tried to find as much as I could concerning the layout of the estate in relation to where Maxime lived within it. This entry by d'Anthony Pascal was of some assistance as was some from Rodama1789's blog. I could not discern with accuracy certain anatomical structures and thus took some liberty by leaving out details so as to not have it too off the mark. Maxime's Room There are various pieces showing some details of Maxime's room. What is known is that it was small, cramped, and sparsely decorated. Maxime was noted as being a frugal man. Paul Barras' account notes how Maxime bathed in front of him and I presume it took place within his study based on Pascal's blueprint. Other images depict his writing desk and bed in the same room with him looking upon the courtyard. Blueprints, hard to discern and in French, seems to make note of Maxime's study and bed being in close proximity. As an American, I'm presuming Maxime's floor would be on what I'd call "the second floor", but blueprints note it is "the first floor" as Europeans do not count the ground level as a floor as we do

Daemons and Familiars

I've always enjoyed the concept of familiars and daemons, so of course, I've begun to imagine which animals would represent which French revolutionary. Below are my selections and their explanations. I also wanted to choose animals that have some history in France while befitting their person. 

Maximilien Robespierre

( Prés-salés du Mont-Saint-Michel ram )

Noted as being a northern French sheep breed, it seemed like a perfect selection for Maxime. 

I chose a sheep due to the fact that, as with any male ungulate with horns, they are ( literally ) hard-headed. This combined with the sheep's white coat felt befitting of Maxime as "The Incorruptible". 

But there's also the symbolism of sheep. They are a religious icon across many cultures, marked for their purity and sacrificial purposes. At a time, people perceived Maxime as pure and moral in what he proposed and did. But as years passed and his mental and physical health deteriorated, he came to embody traits he once opposed. Inevitably sending many innocents to their demise at the guillotine. In an ironic twist, Maxime created a cult of reason and later faced the blade of his own making as his staunch lack of compromise marked him for slaughter by those he accused. In that sense, there's another irony of him being a sheep in that he excited what he believed with a blind fervor.  

Louis Antoine de Saint-Just
( Friesian stallion ) 

Originally I chose a wolf for Louis Antoine de Saint-Just, but felt it too cliche and not fitting of his history and personality. Instead, I chose the Friesian stallion for its history in the breeding of war horses, some of which were used during the French revolution.

Contemporaries claimed St-Just was a handsome man. A man who moved with a clean and clear intent and who kept his calm when necessary. Paradoxically his personality ( when young ) was rebellious and fiery. I argue that this shift was from disciplinary education tempered like steel. St-Just did not lose his youthful fire. He learned to weld it like a sword, unleashing it when necessary. Both traits assisted him greatly in the Austrian war and in his practice of law.  

Camille Desmoulins 
( European pine marten ) 

For Camille, I thought of the fox, but again, felt that cliche. Regardless of my personal opinions of these individuals and politics, I wanted to abstain from animals that held a blatant connotation of vice or villainy. While the historical and contemporary views of these men have their legitimate grounding in their actions, I chose to attempt to respect the complexity of their being. 

One could argue, "but you chose a weasel, aren't they villainous?" And yes, while granted, pine martins seem to have less of a reputation for this. Instead, I've seen them valued for their playfulness, energy, and wit. 

Pine martins are quick, sharp, and perceptive; often tackling prey twice their size. And when moving with frenetic energy it's akin to a visual stutter to me, complimenting Camille's real-life stutter. 

These traits combined with their small size felt befitting of Camille. He was once defended by his then friend and prior schoolmate Maxime who argued Camille was a "child" when accused of treason. When Maxime told Camille to burn his journalism criticizing  Jacques Hébert, he stood strong to his once friend and declined.

This act, along with the accusation of him assisting Danton in scandals, sent Camille to the guillotine. On the way to the tumbril, he learned of his wife's arrest. Since arrest almost always equaled death in later years of the revolution, Camille went mad. He screamed, thrashed, and tore his shirt in defiance. He begged the mob, not for his life, but for that of his wife and child's.

What's ironic about the execution of Camille's wife is that it ( presumably ) left his child an orphan and Maxime once fought for the welfare rights of orphans and bastards. 

Georges Danton
( European boar ) 

I couldn't find much concerning Danton'ds youth beyond him being attacked by bulls and pigs as a child and apparently being a strong boy. 

Danton being brash and stern in his beliefs and actions appeared consistent from youth to adult. In one instance, he defended a classmate from corporal punishment in a manner his teacher found brash. 

He was a key proponent of the revolution and offered his services to the guards of his district in the storming of the Bastille. While St-Just appeared to be the brains of army service, Danton appeared to be the bulk, although he was a smart man too. "We ask that anyone refusing to give personal service or to furnish arms shall be punished with death," Danton declared during a  provisional government meeting.

Danton is depicted as a strong, scarred, and intimidating figure in almost all portraiture. Boars are respected for their strength and ferocity. Despite their capacity to thrash and cause immense harm, they are also clever beasts.

Contemporaries claimed that, even if did not seek it out, he was an opportunist and full of avarice if an opportunity was offered. This led to the scandal of the French East India Company and his later execution.