From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Participle and related verb.
The past participle describes a defeated general. Brotteaux insists that defeat does not necessarily prove crime, since every battle requires a defeated side. His next remark about executing one general to encourage others is bitter political irony. Gamelin’s later demand to teach generals to win or die abandons precisely this distinction.
Places to read
- Chapter IX, paragraph 14Frenchun général vaincu: A defeated general. Brotteaux distinguishes defeat from necessary guilt.
- Chapter IX, paragraph 16Frenchà vaincre ou à mourir: To win or die. Gamelin frames the trial as an exemplary lesson.