Character Analysis
(Avoiding Spoilers)
Grew Up… as an Archduchess of Austria. The Hapsburg royal only just became adjusted to life in her own court before she was whisked away to wed the Dauphin of France, the future Louis XVI, and become a part of the French court.
Living… in utter luxury in France. Marie Antoinette, the Dauphine of France, likes to spoil herself. Life in the palace of Versailles revolves around pleasure. Though, things are quite different outside the palace gates. The starved French peasants are only getting angrier and more resentful of the repressive monarchy by the minute.
Profession… Queen. Although many people envy her position, Marie is unhappy in her role. She is a free-spirited party girl who is finding royal life to be quite rigid and boring. And as a foreigner, she has never been accepted by her husband’s court of advisors.
Interests… gossip, wine, and fashion. Since the new Dauphine isn’t finding much comfort from her clueless husband, she’s turned to other worldly pleasures for entertainment. Her overindulgence is perfectly captured by her large, wild hairpieces. As she asks about a particularly tall wig, “It’s not too much, is it?”
Relationship Status… married to Louis XVI of France. Marie’s husband, despite his grand title, hasn’t proved to be so grand in the bedroom.
Challenge… producing an heir to the throne. Marie is getting blamed for her husband’s inability to procreate, and it seems that the pressure is getting to her. As she understands it, “Letting everyone down would be my greatest unhappiness.”
Personality… free-spirited and fun but also shallow and confused. Marie doesn’t know what to make of new life in a foreign court. France, it seems, is more complicated than Marie’s native Austria. She is in over her head (in more ways than one).
Get to Know her in...
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The retelling of France's iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette. From her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at 15 to her reign as queen at 19 and ultimately the fall of Versailles.
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France's iconic queen, Marie Antoinette, wrongly accused of uttering the infamous "Let them eat cake," was alternately revered and reviled during her lifetime. For centuries since, she has been the object of debate, speculation, and the fascination so often accorded illustrious figures in history. Married in mere girlhood, this essentially lighthearted child was thrust onto the royal stage and commanded by circumstance to play a significant role in European history. Antonia Fraser's lavish and engaging portrait excites compassion and regard for all aspects of the queen, immersing the reader not only in the coming-of-age of a graceful woman, but in the culture of an unparalleled time and place. From the Trade Paperback edition.
