Definition

Proper noun: - Jean Paul Marat: A French revolutionary leader, physician, and journalist. He was a prominent and radical figure during the French Revolution, known for his fiery rhetoric in his newspaper, L'Ami du peuple ("The Friend of the People"). He was a key member of the radical Montagnard faction and played a significant role in the fall of the more moderate Girondists. His assassination became a major event of the Revolution.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Jean Paul Marat was a central figure in the radical phase of the French Revolution.
  • The political writings of Jean Paul Marat were influential in mobilizing the Parisian sans-culottes.
  • Charlotte Corday assassinated Jean Paul Marat while he was in his medicinal bath.

Advanced Usage

• "Marat" as a symbolic figure: In historical and artistic contexts, "Marat" is often used symbolically to represent revolutionary zeal, radical journalism, or political martyrdom.
  • The painting depicts the martyred Marat as a secular saint of the Revolution.

Variants and Related Words

• Maratist (adj/n): Pertaining to or a follower of Jean Paul Marat or his radical revolutionary principles.
  • The Maratist faction demanded more extreme measures.

Synonyms

• The Friend of the People: A direct translation of the title of his newspaper, , often used as an epithet for Marat himself.
• Revolutionary martyr: A term describing his status after his assassination.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• Assassination of Marat: The pivotal event on July 13, 1793, when Charlotte Corday killed him.
• "Death of Marat": Refers specifically to the famous 1793 painting by Jacques-Louis David depicting Marat's dead body, which is a seminal work of Revolutionary art.

Noun

1. French revolutionary leader (born in Switzerland) who was a leader in overthrowing the Girondists and was stabbed to death in his bath by Charlotte Corday (1743-1793)