Legacy Podcast Summary: Marie Antoinette | At The Mercy of The Mob | Episode 3

Introduction In the third installment of Wondery’s Legacy series, Afwa Hirsch and Peter Frankenburn delve into the tumultuous final years of Marie Antoinette’s life. Titled "At The Mercy of The Mob," this episode explores the intensifying revolution in France and examines whether Marie Antoinette truly deserves her infamous reputation. The hosts navigate through pivotal moments that led to the downfall of the French monarchy, highlighting both personal and political struggles faced by the queen.

Bastille Day and the Outbreak of the Revolution The episode begins with a recounting of the events of July 14, 1789—the storming of the Bastille, now celebrated annually as Bastille Day. This day symbolizes the spark that ignited the French Revolution, transforming Marie Antoinette from a beloved queen to a symbol of royal excess and tyranny.

Afwa Hirsch explains:
“Bastille Day starts with a mob breaking into the fortress prison that for many had come to really symbolize everything that was wrong, broken and corrupt about monarchical France.” (02:25)

Peter Frankenburn adds:
“The scenes that unleash after the Bastille gets stormed are exceptionally violent... Violence, or the threat of it, surrounds every day of her life for the next four years.” (02:57)

Marie Antoinette’s Public Image and Disconnect with Versailles Marie Antoinette is portrayed as increasingly isolated from the realities of the common people. While Paris burns with revolutionary fervor, she remains secluded in Versailles, oblivious to the growing unrest.

Peter Frankenburn observes:
“Marie Antoinette, because of what happens to her, is the symbol for and provides a legacy and the story of the revolution today.” (03:10)

Afwa Hirsch notes the king’s detachment:
“Louis ... writes in his journal for the day, rien, nothing going... It really shows what he values, and how completely out of touch he is.” (04:11)

The Perfect Villain: Scapegoating Marie Antoinette As France grapples with economic crises, rising population, and enlightened ideals, Marie Antoinette becomes an easy target for public ire. Her foreign origins and perceived extravagance make her the ideal scapegoat for the nation’s woes.

Afwa Hirsch states:
“Marie Antoinette is the perfect villain in this storm... She's blamed, she's stockpiling grain, that's what's driving up prices...” (06:51)

The Failed Escape Attempt: Flight to Varennes The episode meticulously details the ill-fated escape attempt known as the Flight to Varennes. Organized by Count Fersen and the Duc de Choiseul, the plan was fraught with poor execution and misjudgment, ultimately leading to the royal family's capture.

Peter Frankenburn narrates:
“This failed attempt is a kind of nail in the coffin... They’ve no idea if there are fresh horses and where they are. Royal aides are reduced to knocking on doors...” (26:49)

Afwa Hirsch describes the chaos:
“The minutiae, the things that should have been easy, like just meeting your guy at the staging post, swapping the horses, those were the things that went wrong.” (28:44)

Aftermath and Escalating Tensions Following the failed escape, Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI face heightened scrutiny and increased hostility. Their attempts to seek foreign assistance backfire, further tarnishing their reputations and sealing their fates.

Afwa Hirsch explains:
“Marie Antoinette starts to write to royals around Europe, asking for help and asking for military intervention... she ends up sealing the fate of her family and children.” (31:18)

Peter Frankenburn highlights the consequences:
“In 1792, Austria and France go to war with each other... The poison in the air in Paris now becomes inescapable for Louis and his wife.” (32:15)

The Execution and Fall of the Monarchy As violence escalates, the royal family is imprisoned and subjected to relentless public disdain. The narrative culminates in the execution of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, symbolizing the irrevocable end of the French monarchy.

Peter Frankenburn recounts:
“On 20th of January 1793, he's found guilty... Marie Antoinette pleads for them to spend the night together, but Louis refuses.” (41:32)

Afwa Hirsch depicts the tragic end:
“On the morning of his execution, they wait and wait. Soon after half past ten, they hear the sound of drumming... He has already been executed.” (43:18)

Conclusion and Final Reflections The episode concludes by reflecting on the irreversible changes brought about by the revolution and Marie Antoinette’s enduring legacy. The hosts ponder what might have transpired had the royal family successfully escaped, hinting at the profound impact this singular event had on French and global history.

Peter Frankenburn muses:
“A pivotal moment where, sliding doors or if things had gone in a different way, might the King have got away? ... No Napoleon? No Attack on Moscow...” (27:40)

Afwa Hirsch adds:
“Marie Antoinette was the symbol of beauty and style in the whole of Europe. She is now basically a prisoner wracked with anxiety...” (35:14)

Teaser for Next Episode As the episode wraps up, listeners are left anticipating the next installment, which promises to continue exploring the harrowing final chapters of Marie Antoinette’s life and the broader implications of her legacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Afwa Hirsch (02:25): “Bastille Day starts with a mob breaking into the fortress prison that for many had come to really symbolize everything that was wrong, broken and corrupt about monarchical France.”

• Peter Frankenburn (03:10): “Marie Antoinette, because of what happens to her, is the symbol for and provides a legacy and the story of the revolution today.”

• Afwa Hirsch (06:51): “Marie Antoinette is the perfect villain in this storm... She's blamed, she's stockpiling grain, that's what's driving up prices.”

• Peter Frankenburn (26:49): “This failed attempt is a kind of nail in the coffin... They’ve no idea if there are fresh horses and where they are. Royal aides are reduced to knocking on doors...”

• Afwa Hirsch (31:18): “Marie Antoinette starts to write to royals around Europe, asking for help and asking for military intervention... she ends up sealing the fate of her family and children.”

• Peter Frankenburn (41:32): “On 20th of January 1793, he's found guilty... Marie Antoinette pleads for them to spend the night together, but Louis refuses.”

Final Thoughts This episode of Legacy offers a gripping and detailed portrayal of Marie Antoinette’s tragic end amidst a fervent revolution. Through engaging storytelling and insightful analysis, Afwa Hirsch and Peter Frankenburn provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of whether Marie Antoinette truly embodies the villain she has been historically portrayed to be.