From the book
The Gods Are Athirst
Anatole France · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Meaning
Lemma.
État changes sense with its object. Longuemare is asked his état, meaning occupation or status, and replies that he is a priest. Madame Gamelin says she had Julie taught an état, a trade that could support her. Elsewhere État with a political context is the State. A single English equivalent would erase the distinction between personal livelihood, social position and collective authority.
Places to read
- Chapter XII, paragraph 22FrenchIl m’interrogea sur mon état: he asked about my occupation. Longuemare answers that he is a priest.
- Chapter XVIII, paragraph 36FrenchJe t’ai fait apprendre un état: I had you taught a trade. The mother recalls arranging Julie’s occupational training.