Famous Mistranslations: “Let Them Eat Cake!”

The phrase “Let them eat cake” is one of the most notorious remarks attributed to a historical figure. This sentence is believed to have been spoken by Queen Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the French Revolution. However, much of the historical evidence and context suggest that this association is not only a mistranslation but also a misattribution. This article dives deep into the origins, the implications, and the lasting impact of this famous mistranslation.

The Story Behind the Phrase

The words “Let them eat cake” is the conventional translation of the French phrase “Qu’ils mangent de la brioche.” Brioche is a type of luxurious bread, enriched with butter and eggs, and was more expensive than regular bread. The statement was said to be made by an ignorant and indifferent noble upon learning that the French peasants were suffering due to widespread famine and could not afford even bread.

According to popular belief, when Marie Antoinette was informed that her subjects were starving because they had no bread, her response was this now-infamous phrase. In this context, the phrase implies a complete disregard and understanding of the peasants’ dire situation.

Historical Context

To understand the gravity of such an alleged remark, it’s essential to recognize the socio-political climate of 18th century France. The country was near bankruptcy, exacerbated by France’s involvement in the American Revolutionary War. The tax system was outdated and inefficient, heavily burdening the commoners, while the nobility and clergy enjoyed numerous exemptions. Grain crops had failed, leading to higher prices and food shortages, culminating in a nation on the brink of revolution.

In this volatile environment, Marie Antoinette, an Austrian archduchess by birth, became an easy scapegoat. Her lavish lifestyle, combined with France’s political unrest, painted her as the embodiment of the monarchy’s excesses.

The Origins of the Mistranslation

The first mention of the phrase can be traced back to philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s autobiography, “Confessions,” which was written around 1765-1767, when Marie Antoinette was only 9 to 11 years old and still living in Austria. This fact alone brings into question her association with the phrase.

Rousseau wrote, “I recalled the make-believe princess who was told that the peasants had no bread, and who replied: ‘Let them eat brioche.'” Here, Rousseau did not specifically name Marie Antoinette but rather referred to a “make-believe princess.”

So how did Marie Antoinette get implicated? The phrase’s association with the Queen seems to have been a case of historical error, perpetuated by popular culture and political propaganda.

Implications and Impact

The alleged remark was more than just a mistranslation; it was a potent symbol of the aristocracy’s callousness. By attributing this phrase to Marie Antoinette, revolutionaries found a powerful tool to further alienate the monarchy from the people.

The Queen’s portrayal as out-of-touch and frivolous played a significant role in public opinion turning against her, culminating in her eventual execution in 1793. The phrase, whether she said it or not, became part of the narrative that justified the radical actions of the revolutionaries.

Conclusion

The “Let them eat cake” story offers a cautionary tale about the power of mistranslation and misattribution. It demonstrates how words, once they become entrenched in the public psyche, can shape historical narratives and influence the fate of individuals and nations.

It’s essential to approach historical accounts critically and with a discerning eye, recognizing that often, narratives are shaped by the agendas of those who write them. The true lesson from Marie Antoinette’s alleged remark may not be one of royal ignorance but of the enduring impact of misinterpreted words.