Hi! I kind of wanted to ask your opinion on this matter, that I've seen discussed on other Les Mis blogs. They were talking about how protests these days are inherently violent, and any modern AU of our amis would have them prepare for rough days and jail time. However, I didn't see anyone point out that the barricade boys are not just protesters, they are violent revolutionaries, ready to kill, and that's the way I'd love to see them portrayed. What do you think?
I think it depends on what you want to portray, and what they would fight for in modern AUs?
Because in canon, they’re doing this at a pretty specific time period. Early 19th century France was a MESS of every proportion, either politically, socially, and architecturally. Not to say that modern France is perfect oh boy, there’s a lot of dirt coming out from under the rug with the presidential elections :’) But the general atmosphere of the time and the cramped streets made it easier to launched an armed revolt. That was about the only way they could think of to have a lasting impact, with the history and success of the French Revolution still very fresh in their memories, not even 50 years prior.
The architecture of Paris changed because of revolts like these, to avoid barricades. They’d have to gather enough people who’d be ready to put their lives on the line for a common cause. And they’d most likely be stopped at some point.
Anyway, I’m rambling and I have a fever, maybe it’s my quintessencially French self telling me that protesting is the way, because French peeps are huge protesters? I’d think they be up for riots though. Tots riots
