From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Paired phrases.
Argent carré is the innkeeper’s disdainful name for the assignat paper notes he receives, contrasted with jaunets, familiar slang for gold-coloured coins. The shapes and colours turn a monetary preference into concrete speech. His promised votive candle to whoever restores the coins joins religious gratitude to a practical desire for a different payment medium.
Places to read
- Chapter X, paragraph 70Frenchles jaunets: The yellow coins. He wishes for the return of metallic money.
- Chapter X, paragraph 70Frenchl’argent carré: Square money. Poitrine has just been paid in assignats.