From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
Opiner is to state one’s opinion or give a vote in deliberation, not merely entertain a private thought. Gamelin’s invariably voting for death belongs to a particular series in chapter XIII; the preceding narrative has already shown his earlier vote for acquittal and the process by which his judgement changed. The adverb must not be projected over his entire career. Later his turn to opiner follows words, nods and acclamation: his categorical statement that all defendants are convicted and the law explicit supplies assent, not a developed evidential argument.
Places to read
- Chapter XI, paragraph 42Frenchhuit pour l’acquittement: eight votes for acquittal. The earlier narrow acquittal qualifies any attempt to project the later constantly onto Gamelin’s whole career.
- Chapter XIII, paragraph 16Frenchopina constamment pour la mort: invariably voted for death. The statement concerns the preceding series of prosecutions.
- Chapter XXII, paragraph 19Frenchle tour de Gamelin d’opiner: Gamelin’s turn to give his opinion. His formula is one contribution to the collective death verdict.