Alfred de Vigny and the July Revolution, 1830-1831

The July events and the behavior of the king during the Revolution induced in Vigny a critical attitude toward the "legitimate" monarchy of Bourbon. 1880 marked the start of "the most philosophical epoch" in Vigny's life. He begins to consider social cataclysms as resulting from a social law. He ponders the higher meaning of revolution. however, he still has many doubts and maintains a skeptical attitude toward the democratic movement of his time. Nevertheless his "tour d'ivoire" is not a way to escape society, He merely seeks isolation to concentrate his thoughts and to understand the events of his time. (TVS) (Trans. MO)