DiotimosReading Desk

Politics

A man of words

homme de parole

In this context homme de parole means a man whose capacities are verbal, not the idiom “a man of his word,” someone reliable in keeping promises.

From the book

The Gods Are Athirst

Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026

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Meaning

Phrase.

In this context homme de parole means a man whose capacities are verbal, not the idiom “a man of his word,” someone reliable in keeping promises. The surrounding nouns, committees and tribune, and the stated inability to make a prompt decision fix the sense. The phrase is perceived with horror by those who have staked their lives on Robespierre. The English “man of words” correctly prevents an almost opposite reading.

Places to read

  1. Chapter XXVII, paragraph 36Frenchun homme de parole, un homme de comités, de tribune: a man of words, committees and the tribune. The assembled supporters recognise a gap between eloquence and immediate action.