37 Facts About Charlotte Corday

Who Was Charlotte Corday?

Charlotte Corday, born Marie-Anne Charlotte de Corday d'Armont, is a name etched in the annals of history. Known for her dramatic role during the French Revolution, she has fascinated historians and enthusiasts alike.

1. Charlotte Corday was born on July 27, 1768, in Saint-Saturnin-des-Ligneries, France.
2. She hailed from a minor aristocratic family, which influenced her education and upbringing.
3. Corday was a distant relative of the famous playwright Pierre Corneille.
4. She grew up during a time of significant political and social upheaval in France.
5. After her mother's death, she was sent to a convent in Caen, where she received a solid education.

Her Role in the French Revolution

Corday's actions during the French Revolution made her a controversial figure. Her motivations and the impact of her deeds are still debated today.

6. Charlotte Corday was a supporter of the Girondins, a moderate political faction during the Revolution.
7. She believed that the radical Jacobins were leading France to ruin.
8. Corday decided to take drastic action against Jean-Paul Marat, a prominent Jacobin leader.
9. On July 13, 1793, she assassinated Marat while he was in his bath.
10. Corday used a kitchen knife to carry out the assassination.

The Aftermath of the Assassination

The assassination of Marat had immediate and far-reaching consequences. Corday's actions shocked the nation and led to her swift arrest and trial.

11. Charlotte Corday was arrested immediately after killing Marat.
12. She did not attempt to flee the scene of the crime.
13. Corday was put on trial four days later, on July 17, 1793.
14. During her trial, she remained calm and composed, defending her actions as necessary for the good of France.
15. She was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death by guillotine.

Execution and Legacy

Corday's execution and the legacy she left behind have been subjects of fascination and debate for centuries.

16. Charlotte Corday was executed on July 17, 1793, just four days after her trial.
17. She was 24 years old at the time of her death.
18. Corday's last words were reportedly, "I killed one man to save a hundred thousand."
19. Her execution was witnessed by a large crowd, including many who viewed her as a martyr.
20. Corday's actions inspired both admiration and condemnation, depending on one's political views.

Cultural Impact

Charlotte Corday's life and actions have been immortalized in various forms of art and literature, reflecting her complex legacy.

21. The famous painting "The Death of Marat" by Jacques-Louis David depicts the aftermath of the assassination.
22. Corday has been the subject of numerous plays, novels, and operas.
23. Her story was dramatized in the play "The Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat" by Peter Weiss.
24. Corday's life has been explored in various biographies, each offering different perspectives on her motivations.
25. She remains a symbol of political activism and the complexities of revolutionary fervor.

Personal Life and Characteristics

Beyond her political actions, Corday's personal life and characteristics provide insight into the woman behind the historical figure.

26. Charlotte Corday was known for her intelligence and strong-willed nature.
27. She was deeply influenced by Enlightenment thinkers, particularly Rousseau.
28. Corday was described as having a calm and composed demeanor, even in the face of death.
29. She never married and had no children.
30. Corday's letters and writings reveal a thoughtful and determined individual.

Historical Interpretations

Historians have offered various interpretations of Corday's actions and their significance, reflecting the ongoing interest in her story.

31. Some historians view Corday as a misguided idealist who resorted to violence out of desperation.
32. Others see her as a heroic figure who took a stand against tyranny.
33. Corday's assassination of Marat is often cited as a turning point in the French Revolution.
34. Her actions have been analyzed in the context of gender and political power.
35. Corday's legacy continues to be debated, with new interpretations emerging over time.

Modern References

Charlotte Corday's story continues to resonate in modern times, with references in various media and popular culture.

36. Corday has been referenced in films, television shows, and even video games.
37. Her life and actions are studied in history courses around the world, ensuring that her story remains relevant to new generations.

Charlotte Corday's Lasting Impact

Charlotte Corday's actions left a mark on history. Her assassination of Jean-Paul Marat during the French Revolution shocked many and sparked debates about justice and morality. Corday believed she was saving France from further bloodshed, but her act led to her execution by guillotine.

Her story shows how one person's beliefs can shape events, even if their methods are extreme. Corday's life and death remind us of the complexities of revolutionary times and the fine line between heroism and villainy. Her legacy continues to be studied, discussed, and remembered, proving that her impact endures long after her time.

Understanding Corday's motivations and the context of her actions helps us grasp the turbulent era she lived in. Her story is a powerful example of how individual actions can influence the course of history.