1813 - Tumblr Posts
Okay, I guess, I’m still a bit too shy to translate from French into English even for my personal blog. Nonetheless, I want to make at least few small steps towards my dream project and simply need to find a starting point. :)
For example, I can begin with some interesting passages from the works of Russian researchers, concerning the political situation on the eve of the Sixth Coalition’s formation!
I’ve discovered this particular book only recently but already found curious observations about the prospective position of Austria as an international arbitrator (at least, that’s how Metternich envisioned it in his dreams), before circumstances finally forced Austria to join the Coalition.
“Austrian diplomacy in March-April 1813 was darting between Russia and France, trying to force both powers to move in the right direction designated by Vienna. Sometimes it seemed, despite the certain setbacks (as, for example, in the case of England), that everything was going exactly as the clever Viennese diplomat had planned. Metternich spared no effort and time to convince Napoleon and Alexander I through his subordinates that "only the power that wants nothing but peace for itself can be an intermediary." Austria wanted not only peace — it wanted to remain a power that alone decides all issues of the future territorial structure, and also serves as a kind of buffer zone between the two great empires (while extending its influence to the whole of Germany and the Balkans). To achieve this, it was necessary first of all to withdraw from the alliance with France, while convincing Bonaparte of the sincerity of Vienna's peacekeeping initiatives. And Russia, on the contrary, had to be kept at arm's length, in no case making any promises to Alexander I, who persistently convinced Metternich and Emperor Franz himself of the necessity and importance of Austria joining the coalition.
Playing on two fronts is always fraught with serious complications, especially if the task is to keep an equal distance from both fronts. But Metternich managed it for the time being. Although there was still some distortion: relations with France were more important for Austria at that time. The explanation was very simple — they were afraid of Russia in Vienna. "Recent events have shown us how dangerous Russia can be for Europe... We need a power equal to it, which will balance it — France is such a power: it should establish the foundations of a new system of European equilibrium," Karl zu Schwarzenberg bluntly told French Foreign Minister Y.-B. Mare in Paris on April 7, 1813 before meeting with Napoleon. And the bet on Napoleon seemed justified to Metternich.”
At the time Metternich’s ambitions were truly grandiose (as grandiose as his own flamboyant persona)!
Aside from that I also have to add commentaries, since the author of the book seems to me somewhat “biased” (or as a Russian myself I simply sense a bit of “patriotic” exaggeration): they were not “afraid of” Russia in Vienna, it’s just the fact that two opposite parties existed. The first one was inclined towards pro-Russian political course and the second one rooted for the balance between the two countries - Russia and France. The first one seemed to be much more numerous: not only Vienna’s aristocrats but also the major part of the Imperial family had been sympathising with the struggles of Russians for a long period of time. Those sentiments only grew stronger during the campaign of 1812. However, they lacked one crucial thing - the influence on the Emperor Franz himself. This particular influence was still the sacred privilege which belonged to his fellow minister, chancellor, etc, etc, in the face of Metternich. Klemens also was that lone, though stoic mastermind of the second party - party of balance.
As for Schwarzenberg he shared most of Metternich’s opinions regarding the matter. This man was very well familiar with both sides - Russian and French - thanks to his ambassadorial service and he witnessed the might of military potential which belonged to both of these countries from the front row as well. Besides, the key to active actions - emperor Franz’s good will - remained in Metternich’s hands, thus nothing could stop them from trying to settle the whole situation on their own intermediary terms.
Nothing but the fact that Napoleon didn’t want to cooperate, until for him it was too late! 😅
Moreover, this whole discourse made me remember another exemplary passage from my favourite Russian biography of Metternich (who could have guessed).
“On December 20, 1812, Schwarzenberg's auxiliary corps was advancing towards Warsaw to prevent the Prussians from invading deep into the territory of the Grand Duchy of Warsaw. Schwarzenberg's position can be judged by his own words: "The more both colossi [meaning Russia and France] mutually weaken each other, the better." With a soldier's straight-forwardness, he expressed what was now on Metternich's mind.”
So yeah, Metternich, Schwarzenberg and that one collective brain cell they were sharing. 😘🤝😊
P. S.
By the way, it’s not about them, Napoleon and Alexander, it’s Austrian raison d’état! Nothing personal, just politics. 🇦🇹
“In his library he had been always sure of leisure and tranquillity; and though prepared, as he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other room of the house, he was used to be free from them there; […].”
— Jane Austen, from ‘Pride and Prejudice’ (1813)
Basically I've read Emma by Jane Austen and just seen the film adaptation by Autumn de Wilde. I'm not over it and have some points to get through:
The film is so awkward and yet so aesthetically pleasing at the same time, OMGGG.
Emma's sass at the beginning! particularly in the scene when she's opening the carriage window to listen to Miss Bates. Dear Lord, she's the epitome of sassines.
How Emma and Mr Knightley are always drawn to eachother. Even when they're arguing they cannot help it but get nearer and nearer and look like they're about to kiss.
When they laugh together after the baby scene! It was such a good way to make it clear that they were still comfortable with eachother and had definitely made up after their argument.
All the glances they exchange.
The ball, obviously the ball. In particular how they are focused only on eachother, how they miss a step because of that, and the hands at the end.
The scene at the end when they are all reading end exchanging covert glances.
How totally smitten Mr Knightley is by Emma.
Their talk about Mr Knightley coming to live at Hartfield. It is the wisest decision and yet few people would have made it in that time and age.
The kiss.
How Mr Knightley cries twice; once out of despair, once out of happiness.
The fact that the film ends with a shot of Emma's pleased expression, BECAUSE IT'S HER STORY.
Some other valuable reflections:
Mr Woodhouse is the keeper of my serotonin. How he is portrayed in this film has so good a comedic effect that I am not to complain about the differences of his situation from how it's described in the book.
The actors are amazing, so neat and expressive.
Even though the plot doesn't always follow the book I believe that the story is well depicted (but I still miss the scene where Mr Knightley almost kisses Emma's hand before leaving for London).
The quotes they decided to use are truly spot on.