I’m sorry it’s so long. Discussion 16: Describe in two or three sentences the viewpoints of both writers. Next, in a sentence or two, explain what might have motivated each of the writers. Both of these writers speak of liberty. How are their views of liberty different?
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I do not believe that when Bonaparte became head of the government he had yet formulated the plan for a universal monarchy, but I do believe what he himself said to one of my friends, a few days after the 18 Brumaire [the date Napoleon overthrew the Directory]. ‘It is necessary,’ he said, ‘to do something new every three months, in order to captivate the imagination of the French nation, with whom any-one who stands still is lost.’ His system was to encroach [intrude] daily upon France’s liberty and Europe’s independence. . . . By alternating between cunning and force he has subjugated [conquered] Europe.

—Madame de Staël, French author

Liberty triumphs in the end, and Napoleon, our august emperor, comes to confirm it. Soldiers, I have often led you to victory. Now I would escort you to join this immortal legion which the Emperor Napoleon conducts to Paris, and which in a few days will reach the capital.

—Michel Ney, marshal in Napoleon’s army