From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
The small verb records a consequential physical act: Gamelin signs the attendance sheet on entering the Commune’s Council. When the gathering is outlawed and its members flee, the narration says they have fled in vain because they had signed. The same mark moves from evidence of participation and solidarity to evidence fixing liability. It is not a confession independently written after capture.
Places to read
- Chapter XXVII, paragraph 31Frenchsigne la feuille de présence: signs the attendance sheet. The signature records entry into the meeting.
- Chapter XXVII, paragraph 40Frenchils avaient signé: they had signed. The earlier mark defeats the hope of escaping responsibility by flight.