From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
Tocsin is the alarm sounded on bells. It is paired with the générale, a drum signal, during the attempt to mobilise Paris on 9 thermidor. Their calls are answered in Gamelin’s neighbourhood by closing shutters and locks, and continue to compete with the sounds of ordinary life during Élodie’s appeal. The two terms are not synonyms: the instruments and signals remain distinct.
Places to read
- Chapter XXVII, paragraph 9Frenchsonner le tocsin: ring the alarm bells. News of arrests is accompanied by the call to assemble.
- Chapter XXVII, paragraph 23Frenchil entendait le tocsin: he heard the alarm bells. The sound interrupts the possibility of private peace.