From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Phrase.
Oraison mentale is an inward or silent prayer. Gamelin addresses it to the departing Robespierre without approaching or speaking to him. The form gives political admiration a devotional shape, but also marks the absence of an actual conversation. Everything in the extended imagined programme that follows is Gamelin’s address and interpretation, not a reply obtained from the leader.
Places to read
- Chapter XXVI, paragraph 5Frenchcette oraison mentale: this silent prayer. The narrator names the inward address before quoting it.