In the Place De La Bastille
The Place De La Bastille is a short story by G.K. Chesterton that takes place in Paris during the French Revolution. The story follows a group of revolutionaries who are planning to storm the infamous prison, but their plans are thwarted when they discover that the prisoners have already been released. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, and the nature of revolution.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1907 · Genre: Historical, Philosophical, Political · 1,447 words
First lines
On the first of May I was sitting outside a cafe in the Place de la Bastille in Paris staring at the exultant column, crowned with a capering figure, which stands in the place where the people destroyed a prison and ended an age. The thing is a curious example of how symbolic is the great part of human history. As a matter of mere material fact, the Bastille when it was taken was not a horrible prison; it was hardly a prison at all. But it was a symbol, and the people always go by a sure instinct for symbols; for the Chinaman, for instance, at the last General Election, or for President Kruger's hat in the election before; their poetic sense is perfect. The Chinaman with his pigtail is not an idle flippancy.
What this Textopian page supports
In the Place De La Bastille is listed on Textopian as a short story by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical, Philosophical, Political, Cultural, Essay
- Length: 1,447 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for In the Place De La Bastille by G.K. Chesterton
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Historical — The narrative is set against the backdrop of significant historical events, such as the destruction of the Bastille, and reflects on their symbolic meanings.
- Philosophical — The text delves into philosophical reflections on symbolism, materialism, and the nature of societal change.
- Political — The work discusses political themes, including revolution, social movements, and the dynamics of power.
- Cultural — The narrative explores cultural aspects, such as the French people's sense of crisis and their historical consciousness.
Tags
historical fiction · Paris · Bastille · revolution · mystery · adventure · philosophy · politics · social commentary · identity · freedom · class struggle