The plot seemed to thicken in Seven-Colored "Dream" Capital (ch 54) with the introduction of more characters who played large roles in the politics of that era, and the exploration of another facet of Charles's character.
I am almost overwhelmed by the Maries in this series, and to think that they were historical figures and people who actually existed in that time and space (like were they celebrities of sorts at the time?) This is the second juxtaposition of two women: Marie-Jeanne Becu and Marie-Jeanne Bertin. I am not quite sure about the relevance of both Marie parallels, but I suppose they are to explore the subversion and upholding of the status quo. Both Marie-Jeannes were already revealed to have achieved their dreams. Right now, I can only think about how that involved adhering to rather than diverging from the system in power to some extent.
Meanwhile, Charles-Henri became more "manly" and beastly. He discovered the pleasures of sex, and seemed to lose himself to it as noted by Marie-Jeanne Becu. He also seemed determined to use the power he finally possessed (but used to dread) to attain his dream of changing the system.
I enjoyed Love of the Family of Darkness (ch 55) because of how it portrayed the changes in Charles and the conflict between him and Marie.
The first thing that struck me in this chapter was the change in Charles's character design- his eyes were no longer round and big, and his hair no longer hid his face. I also love how the shadows were casted over his face making him look sinister and threatening especially compared to the youthful-feminine-and-miserable look he kind of had. The change in his manner of speaking and attitude was shocking. My favorite, however, was the comparison with Baptiste. I really loved the panel where the portrait of Charles's father was right behind him.
I especially love how Marie hit him where it hurt: he just had a taste of some woman, and suddenly he was acting like his father. I do not even fully understand how that happened to Charles.
Last chapter, I was wondering how the Marie parallels could possibly represent the status quo and the change needed to happen especially since all Maries had to conform to certain standards. But as Charles said here, "and for that end as well, the Sansons' work must be done perfectly." I will forever appreciate this tragic brand of irony in fiction.
Maybe Me? "Ideals and Freedom" (ch 56) had me sort of confused about Marie's role in the story. I have not been entirely sure what she stood for since the beginning, it seemed like she was really just this strange child with a morbid fascination for the macabre. Then she was shown standing up to Marthe, and along with Charles, represented the ideals of the new generation. She was also compared and contrasted with Marie Antoinette- a parallel I'm still confused by. Why is the time skip creating tension between her and Charles? They both wanted to change the status quo, but there is just this difference between them I cannot yet put my finger on.
Also, was Andre executed or discharged for insubordination?
I really am enjoying this tension between Charles and Marie in Volunteer for Beauty (ch 57). I would like to think that Charles just wanted to keep his younger sister from bloodying her hands. Meanwhile, Marie fought so hard to be able to stand on execution platform. I gotta admit: it's her I'm rooting for.
I came back to Pitch-Black Decapitation (ch 58) after more than a month, and have quite forgotten what's happening. I liked Louis Philippe experimenting with his sexuality, and the vague romance and honor in Marie's storyline with the Decapitation de la Statue. There is something about risking a slow and agonizing death to avoid the humiliation of getting on your knees in front of so many people, and finding the strength and courage to do so for someone emlse's sake. Like one would not have to do either, but one really has something to prove.
I was confused by why seeing a noble on his knees on the execution platform would be a disgrace to that estate, since I thought that even nobles get executed.
Fresh Blood Overture (ch 59) had such stunnig panels as usual. I loved the fresh, juicy tomatoes; the crimson wine; the panels of the noble falling from his perspective due to the use of blur lines to depict motion and make everything dark and hazy, and negative space cutting the panels to sort of slow the reader down and give the feeling that that moment was quite dramatic not really instantaneous; the panel of Charles declaring that Marie had no more allies for looking almost sinister; and that low-angle shot of Marie getting on the platform.
This execution was about pride. Not just the noble's but also Marie's and that of the Sanson family. Charles's reasons for hindering Marie from the high likelihood of failing was rooted in the need to avoid humiliation; and possibly preventing Marie from dirtying her hands, the platform, Paris. His monologue reflected my confusion regarding the growing rift between the two despite them sharing a vision; however, I always thought that it was Charles who was growing distant for stopping Marie from fulfilling her duties. However, in spite of the two wanting to change the status quo, to my recollection, Marie was never shown explicitly wanting a future where executions were deemed barbaric and cruel- in fact, to her, it was a skill, a science, and maybe even a craft; she prided herself for her knowledge and skill in it. That maybe where the difference between the two siblings lie.
Decapitation de la Statue to Freedom (ch 60) was as sweet as executions could be. I really love the concept of dying by the hands of someone you love, and there was just somethig so poignant about how the two characters brough each other relief. I loved the ending ending. Marie's smile was sweet and La Tour worried over nothing.
An "Adieu" Ovefflowing with Love (ch 61) was quite heartbreaking due to Marie and Charles's separation. While Charles dreamt of a Paris that is free, Marie wanted to continue down the bloody path with no one holding her back or getting in her way. Referring to herself in third person aside, Marie's so great. I feel like Charles betrayed her.
Who was the Charles in Verdure Encounter (ch 62)? His eyes were bright and round, and his demeanor was lively and excitable; however, he was enjoying killing for sport and charming different women.
Cheneau seems like a really promising character, and I love his hairstyle.
The Worship of "Death" (ch 63) had some really solid panels depicting Charles as the god of death, and I really loved Louis-Auguste's line: "whether a god of heaven or a god of the underworld, you are a god nonetheless..." It really presents Charles as this force to be reckoned with.
The rich details in Invitation to the Palace of Versailles (ch 64) highlighted just how obscenely wealthy the French aristocracy of the time was! It was interesting how Charles was clad in blue and compared to an angel! Who was he, and what happened to him and Marie?