Inside his copy of The Social Contract he keeps a letter from a young Picard, an enthusiast called Antoine Saint-Just: "I know you, Robespierre, as I know God, by your works."When he suffers, as he does increasingly, from a distressing tightness of the chest and shortness of breath, and when his eyes seem too tired to focus on the printed page, the thought of the letter urges the weak flesh to more Works.
In Hilary Mantel's "A Place of Greater Safety," the protagonist reflects on a letter from a young admirer, Antoine Saint-Just, who expresses unwavering reverence for Robespierre by equating him to God based on his actions. This admiration highlights the intense political fervor of the time and illustrates how figures like Robespierre inspired deep loyalty and devotion, impacting the lives of individuals who actively engaged in the revolutionary ideas.
As the character grapples with physical decline, characterized by tightness in the chest and fatigue, the letter serves as a powerful motivator. It pushes him to continue striving for greatness and to remain committed to revolutionary ideals, despite his deteriorating health. The juxtaposition of his weakening body against the backdrop of youthful zeal encapsulated in the letter underscores the tensions between aspiration and physical limitation, embodying the struggle during a transformative historical period.
