Why There Are No More Riots Summary

“Paternal Warnings” and Revolution: Understanding Blanqui’s Method of Uprising During a moment of tranquility in France, Louis-Auguste Blanqui wrote his essay “Why There Are No More Riots” in 1834, addressing the prompt switch of the people from riots to repose. After the July French Revolution of 1830, there were still many issues the French people expected their government to address, and they did not hesitate to demonstrate their contempt through protests. In his essay, Blanqui explains the riots are not the revolution, but the warning of one that could come if change does not occur. Blanqui’s utilization of rhetorical questions and charged language compels this method of revolution, but begs the question if it is a successful way of performing

Blanqui frames his essay through a series of rhetorical questions which typically start each paragraph. As the paragraph develops, Blanqui thoroughly analyzes and answers said question. One example of a rhetorical question he asks is, “Can these good-hearted men continue to live in this… filthy public disorder?” (46). The questions create a guide to understand Blanqui’s argument which builds upon itself as the essay continues. The ideas presented are not thrown at the reader, but rather laid out carefully so that if one chooses so they may continue to revisit certain aspects of the essay without any difficulty. To further his argument, Blanqui uses loaded terms and phrases such as the “filthy public disorder” quoted above (46). Blanqui shows his displeasure with the state of France, after the effort of many riots without change it is difficult to be anything else. He describes the way he believes France is perceived by other countries, “...playing the role of both traitor and fool in this feeble diplomatic melodrama that is jeered by the European audience,” (46). To him there is something theatrical about the state of their government, as if it is too ridiculous to believe it is anything but fiction. Alongside the charged language, Blanqui frequently uses interjections. Throughout the entirety of the essay, Blanqui interjects with the use of “Ah!” Following the abrupt remarks tend to be powerful concluding statements that wrap up a strong idea. The interjection stands clear in the essay and because of it, draws the reader’s attention to look more closely at what follows. Blanqui structured his essay similar to a timeline of events that is easy to follow, using powerful language to further affirm his ideas, and interjections to prevent any