As a supporter of the French Revolution, Williams describes the 'despotic power' of the monarchs who formerly ruled over the entire country. (despot = dictator)
Williams also refers to the 'splendour of the despotic throne' (line 157), and comments that if the throne can only give light (freedom) to people whilst the lower classes are still in poverty then it might as well not exist at all. Thus, this demonstrates Williams' position as anti-monarchy and pro-Revolution.
Williams quotes an excerpt from Measure by Measure by William Shakespeare on lines 134-137: 'Man! proud man, / Dressed in little brief authority, / Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven, / As make the angels weep.' Here, this quotation demonstrates that pride is a negative attribute; a sin to the Christian Williams. The 'little brief authority' refers to the coronation of monarchs, and the word 'dressed' seems to emphasise the temporary nature of their position of authority. 'Make the angels weep,' suggests that the 'fantastic tricks' or abuse of power is not morally right or pleasing to God.

	Created by Summer Pearce about 7 years ago

A-Level (Year 1) (Year 1) English Language and Literature (Paris Anthology) Note on Letters From France 1790-1796 by Helen Maria Williams, created by Summer Pearce on 20/05/2017.

Letters From France 1790-1796 by Helen Maria Williams