DiotimosReading Desk

Accusation

The foreigner and the foreign agent

l’étranger; agent de l’étranger

The singular l’étranger can designate foreign powers or an imagined coordinated external enemy, not merely a traveller from abroad.

From the book

The Gods Are Athirst

Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026

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Meaning

Related words and phrases.

The singular l’étranger can designate foreign powers or an imagined coordinated external enemy, not merely a traveller from abroad. Gamelin repeats “agent of the foreigner” across opposing positions, so foreign agency becomes the hidden explanation of domestic disagreement. His suspicion of Cloots also turns the man’s Prussian origin into grounds for fear. That inference remains his accusation and cannot be used as a narrator-certified fact.

Places to read

  1. Chapter XX, paragraph 2FrenchAgent de l’étranger, quiconque: An agent of the foreigner, whoever. The repeated formula extends the category across different acts and beliefs.
  2. Chapter XX, paragraph 3Frenchil était Prussien: he was Prussian. Gamelin treats foreign origin as sufficient cause for suspicion in this case.