Paris and the Parisians in 1835 (Vol. 2)

In Short

Paris and the Parisians in 1835 (Vol. 2) is a travelogue and social commentary by Frances Milton Trollope, offering a detailed and often critical look at Parisian life in the 1830s. Trollope, known for her sharp observations, explores various aspects of French society, from politics and religion to fashion, literature, and daily life. She attends exclusive soirées, visits landmarks like the Palais Royal and Notre Dame, and engages in conversations with Parisians from different walks of life. The book is a rich tapestry of anecdotes, reflections, and comparisons between French and English customs, providing a unique perspective on a city in flux. Trollope's work is both a historical document and a personal journey, capturing the essence of Paris during a period of significant cultural and political change.

The Story

Frances Milton Trollope's Paris and the Parisians in 1835 (Vol. 2) is a continuation of her exploration of Parisian life, society, and culture during the early 19th century. Through a series of letters, Trollope offers her readers a detailed and often critical perspective on various aspects of French life, from politics and religion to fashion, literature, and daily customs.

The book opens with Trollope's observations on the unique air of Frenchwomen, their grace, and the impossibility of an Englishwoman passing unnoticed in Paris. She delves into the city's small shops, the beauty of its flowers, and the native grace of its people. Trollope also comments on the disappearance of rouge and the prevalence of grey hair, noting the natural beauty of Parisian women. She contrasts the cost of living in Paris with London, finding Paris more expensive, and discusses the absence of smuggling temptations due to high tariffs.

Trollope attends exclusive soirées, including a Soirée Doctrinaire hosted by the Duc de Broglie and a Soirée Républicaine, where she observes the political divisions of the time. She visits the Palais Royal, describing its stately architecture and the bustling activity of its shops and restaurants. The author also explores the Galerie d'Orléans, noting the abundance of loungers and the convenience of idle men. A visit to the Théâtre du Vaudeville provides insight into Parisian theater culture.

Literary conversations feature prominently, with discussions on modern novelists like Victor Hugo and the works of Chateaubriand, Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, Shakespeare, and Sir Walter Scott. Trollope reflects on the French familiarity with English authors and the Parisian passion for novelty. She also delves into the French legal system, particularly trial by jury, and its comparative power to the judge, noting the virtual abolition of capital punishment.

Trollope's observations extend to the role of women in French society, including the respect accorded to market women and their literature. She recounts anecdotes of their political involvement and their role in public morality, such as the flogging of improperly dressed women in the Tuileries Garden.

The author also explores religious life, attending a sermon by the Abbé Lacordaire at Notre Dame, and reflects on the political and social implications of frequent revolutions in France. She admires the strength and ability of the current government, despite her reservations about its origins.

Trollope's journey concludes with visits to various landmarks, including the Jardin des Plantes, La Salpêtrière, Les Invalides, and the Musée d'Artillerie. She reflects on the beauty of Paris, the resilience of its people, and the complexities of its political and social landscape. The book ends with a philosophical note on the importance of social order and the challenges of self-regulation in a populace.

How It Unfolds

Observations on Parisian Life: Trollope begins with detailed observations on the unique qualities of Parisian women, the city's shops, and the natural grace of its inhabitants. Political and Social Soirées: She attends various political gatherings, offering insights into the Doctrinaire, Republican, Royalist, and Imperial factions of French society. Landmarks and Leisure: Visits to the Palais Royal, Galerie d'Orléans, and Théâtre du Vaudeville provide a glimpse into Parisian leisure and culture. Literary Conversations: Discussions on French and English literature highlight the intellectual life of Paris and its engagement with foreign authors. Legal and Social Systems: Trollope explores the French legal system, particularly trial by jury, and its implications for society. Women in Society: She examines the role of women, from market women to high society, and their influence on public life and morality. Religious and Political Reflections: Attendance at religious services and reflections on France's political history and government reveal the complexities of the nation's identity. Final Explorations: Visits to various landmarks and museums conclude the book, offering a comprehensive view of Paris's cultural and historical richness.

The People

Frances Milton Trollope: The author and narrator, Trollope is a keen observer with a critical yet appreciative eye for French culture. Her insights are shaped by her English background and her experiences in Paris. The Parisians: From the elegant women of high society to the market women and idle men, Trollope portrays a diverse range of Parisians, each contributing to the city's unique character. Political Figures: The Duc de Broglie, Abbé Lacordaire, and other political and religious leaders are mentioned, reflecting the political and social divisions of the time. Literary Figures: Victor Hugo, Chateaubriand, and other writers are discussed, highlighting the intellectual and artistic vibrancy of Paris.

In Its Own Voice

"The great reputation of another preacher induced us on Sunday to endure two hours more of tedious waiting before the mass which preceded the sermon began. It is only thus that a chair can be hoped for when the Abbé Lacordaire mounts the pulpit of Notre Dame."

This passage illustrates Trollope's experience of attending a sermon by the Abbé Lacordaire, highlighting the popularity of the preacher and the challenges of securing a seat in the crowded church.

"Nothing that is going on in Paris—in the Chamber of Deputies, in the Chamber of Peers, or even in the Cabinet of the King—could touch me so much, or give me half so much pleasure to listen to, as the tone in which I have heard some of the most distinguished men in France speak of the repeated changes and revolutions in her government."

Here, Trollope reflects on the deep patriotism and concern among French intellectuals regarding the nation's history of revolutions, capturing the emotional and intellectual climate of the time.

What It's Really About

At its core, Paris and the Parisians in 1835 is about the cultural, social, and political identity of Paris in the early 19th century. Trollope's observations reveal a city in transition, grappling with the legacy of revolution, the complexities of modernity, and the tensions between tradition and change. The book explores themes of national character, the role of women in society, the power of literature and art, and the challenges of governance in a post-revolutionary state. Trollope's comparative approach, contrasting French and English customs, underscores the uniqueness of Parisian life while also highlighting universal human experiences.

Why Read It Today

Paris and the Parisians in 1835 offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period in French history, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in 19th-century Europe. Trollope's vivid descriptions and sharp observations bring Paris to life, from its grand boulevards to its intimate salons. The book is particularly appealing for its insights into the social and cultural dynamics of the time, including the role of women, the impact of literature, and the political divisions that shaped French society. While some of Trollope's attitudes may reflect the biases of her era, her writing remains engaging and thought-provoking. Readers will appreciate her wit, her attention to detail, and her ability to capture the essence of a city and its people. The book is a delightful blend of travelogue, social commentary, and historical document, offering a unique perspective on Paris that continues to resonate today.