How did Anatole France critique social injustice?
Critique? A rather forceful term, is it not? I preferred to illuminate. One cannot but notice the peculiar inequalities that plague our societies, can one? The law, in its majestic equality, you see, allows the rich and the poor alike to starve, to sleep beneath bridges, and to steal the bread that sustains life. My novel *The Gods Are Athirst*, though set during a tempestuous revolution, explored the chilling fervor that can grip a populace, leading them to justify unspeakable acts in the name of progress or virtue. It is often in the name of the noblest ideals that humanity commits its basest deeds. A gentle nudge, a knowing smile, a pointed observation – these are my instruments, not the bludgeon.
Ask Anatole France the follow-up →