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Image 2.2
La Revolution francaise, A. Duplessis,
1790's, Musee de la Revolution francaise, Vizille, France (Hesse,
122).
The above engraving is one interpretation
of the French Revolution as a turning point in the relationship
between author and audience. The men walking in line are holding
written materials, indicating that they are authors. Beams of
light are reaching from the heavens, suggested by clouds and angels,
towards the authors. This represents the process of enlightenment,
where authors are the heros because they get the inspired ideas
into the hands of the public. However, the turning point occurs
when the true enlightened spirit of questioning becomes the focus,
rather than the individual creator/author himself. This means
that the reader has a crucial role to challenge the ideas and
understand the writings for himself, instead of blind acceptance.
Following the philosophies of Rousseau, the responsiblity is entrusted
to the citizens of France.
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