Vidal Gore — Eighteen Seventy [3086]

Despite the company, we dined well, drank far too much, and were in the best of spirits. I cannot think why. I suppose the more harrowing the experience the more delighted one is that it is over. I remember how Emma and I could not stop laughing when we finally realized that we had survived the bloodletting of the Communards. — Vidal Gore, Eighteen Seventy, 3086

Note

The juxtaposition of celebration amidst a chaotic political landscape highlights the absurdity of the situation, lending a comedic relief to a serious backdrop, which invites reflections on human nature.