DiotimosReading Desk

Character

Adapting oneself

s’accommoder à

After a moment of confusion Gamelin s’accommoda to his new duties.

From the book

The Gods Are Athirst

Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026

Browse this book’s lexicon →

Meaning

Phrase.

After a moment of confusion Gamelin s’accommoda to his new duties. Here the reflexive verb means adjusted or adapted himself, not furnished accommodation or negotiated a mutual compromise. The next sentences show what the adjustment consists in: he comes to value procedural abbreviation and patriotic illumination. The small verb marks a transition in habit and judgment rather than a single explicit decision to become cruel.

Places to read

  1. Chapter XXII, paragraph 7Frenchs’accommoda à ses nouvelles fonctions: adapted himself to his new functions. Gamelin’s brief uncertainty gives way to acceptance of accelerated judging.