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Did you know? Marie Antoinette’s last words were to her executioner after accidentally stepping on his foot, saying, “Pardon me, sir, I meant not to do it.”

Matthew Brown Matthew Brown Apr 20, 2023 · 2 mins read
Did you know? Marie Antoinette’s last words were to her executioner after accidentally stepping on his foot, saying, “Pardon me, sir, I meant not to do it.”
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Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, is undoubtedly one of the most controversial figures throughout history. She is remembered for her luxurious lifestyle, her extravagance, and her eventual downfall during the French Revolution. However, one of the most interesting facts about this intriguing woman is her final words before her execution. Marie Antoinette’s last words were to her executioner after accidentally stepping on his foot, saying, “Pardon me, sir, I meant not to do it.”

These poignant words carry an air of innocence and humility, which is a far cry from the image of the pampered queen that many have come to associate with Marie Antoinette. It shows that even in her last moments, she had the presence of mind to apologize for her actions, which had no doubt been misconstrued throughout her reign.

It is also interesting to note that Marie Antoinette’s final words were not a plea for mercy or a desperate attempt to save her life. Instead, she acknowledged her mistake and offered an apology to the person who would soon take her life. This displays a level of dignity and grace that is often not associated with the queen in popular culture.

In many ways, these final words reflect the story of Marie Antoinette’s life. She was born into a life of privilege and extravagance, but was criticized and vilified for it. Throughout her reign, she was accused of being out of touch with the common people, and of disregarding the suffering that many were experiencing. However, in her final moments, she showed a degree of humility and humility that suggested she may not have been as removed from reality as her critics had believed.

It is also worth noting that the circumstances surrounding her execution were brutal and inhumane. Marie Antoinette was subjected to a public trial, a mockery of justice that was designed to humiliate and debase her. In the end, she was executed by guillotine, a gruesome and brutal method which was designed to strip her of her humanity and reduce her to a symbol of the revolution.

Despite this, Marie Antoinette’s last words speak to her humanity and her ability to acknowledge her own mistakes. They also demonstrate a sense of empathy and understanding towards the people who had condemned her. While some may still view her as a symbol of the excess and indulgence that ultimately lead to the French Revolution, her final moments serve as a reminder that she was still a person, capable of humility, respect, and remorse.

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Matthew Brown
Written by Matthew Brown
Living life to the fullest, one adventure at a time.