It's all right for you, you and Danton. I have to go and stutter for two hours at the Jacobins and probably be knocked down again by maddened violin makers and trampled by all sorts of tradesmen.Whilst Danton spends his evenings feeling up his new girlfriend and you lie around here in a nice fever, not too high. If you're an instrument of destiny, and anyone would do instead, why don't you take a holiday?
The quoted passage reflects the frustrations of a character who feels sidelined and overwhelmed by the demands of political life. While others, like Danton, enjoy personal pleasures and a measure of comfort, this character dreads the prospect of facing a hostile crowd at the Jacobins, indicating a sense of isolation and resentment. The vivid imagery of potential violence from tradesmen highlights the turbulent atmosphere of the time and the character's anxiety about their role in this chaotic environment.
Furthermore, the mention of being an "instrument of destiny" suggests a philosophical pondering on the nature of one's purpose and the burden of responsibility. The character's sardonic remark about taking a holiday underscores their disillusionment and desire to escape the pressures they face. This contrast between the carefree lifestyle of others and the protagonist’s obligations emphasizes the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of political ideals, deepening the reader's understanding of these historical struggles.
