What do the enduring myths about Marie Antoinette say about the culture of her time? Of our time?

What rhetorical and scholarly techniques does Fraser use to make Marie Antoinette sympathetic to readers? How does Fraser’s obvious partiality affect the reading experience?

Analyze Fraser’s sources. Which seem the most reliable? The least? How does her research shape the narrative?

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Book Brief

Explore Marie Antoinette reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

About Marie Antoinette

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Overview

Get ready to explore Marie Antoinette and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Marie Antoinette Summary and Study Guide

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Background

Marie Antoinette Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Madame Antoine”

Part 1 Marie Antoinette Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Dauphine”

Part 2 Marie Antoinette Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of pregnancy loss.

Part 3: “Queen Consort”

Part 3 Marie Antoinette Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child death and graphic revolutionary violence.

Part 4: “Queen and Mother”

Part 4 Marie Antoinette Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death and graphic revolutionary violence.

Part 5: “The Austrian Woman”

Part 5 Marie Antoinette Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child death and graphic violence.

Part 6: “Widow Capet”

Part 6 Marie Antoinette Part 6 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Marie Antoinette Key Figures

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Themes

Marie Antoinette Themes

Index of Terms

Marie Antoinette Index of Terms

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Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence.

Marie Antoinette: The Journey

Essay Topics

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