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Religion

Souls and asses

âme; âne

Âmes, souls, and ânes, asses, form Brotteaux’s spoken near-pun on clerical power over a multitude.

From the book

The Gods Are Athirst

Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026

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Meaning

Related words and phrases.

Âmes, souls, and ânes, asses, form Brotteaux’s spoken near-pun on clerical power over a multitude. He first says asses, then professes to correct a slip of the tongue. The correction makes the insult audible rather than withdrawing it. The ordinary or theological sense of âme elsewhere must remain distinct from this particular comic performance.

Places to read

  1. Chapter XI, paragraph 14Frenchdes âmes: of souls. His claimed correction names the expected spiritual object of clerical care.
  2. Chapter XI, paragraph 14Frenchla multitude des ânes: the multitude of asses. Brotteaux insults the clergy’s followers.