Didn't you find Emilie extremely problematic? I saw it the other day and I was put off by how she abandoned her family to have some dramatic, "romantic" affair with her poet boytoy. I still rooted for her in her professional endeavors, but it was hard to me to sympathize with her personal struggles given her daughter married off for political reasons, son sent off to war, and adoring husband whose love and resources were taken for granted.
Sorry for not answering sooner, just saw your message. Which Emilie play did you see? Lauren Gunderson’s?
I can see where you’re coming from, but I think it’s important not to place modern moral expectations on historical figures like Emilie. Her world, as a noble woman in 18th century France, was much different than ours.
For instance, her marriage was not one of romantic love, but a partnership intended to advance family standings. Emilie’s husband, Florent-Claude, was aware of her relationship with Voltaire and was fine with it. Florent-Claude was actually pretty content that his wife was safe in the countryside, enjoying her time with Voltaire. And, besides, he was having many of his own affairs at his various postings in the army. David Bodanis’s book Passionate Minds explains the complicated nature of these relationships really well. He describes how, although adultery was technically illegal in France (well, only the wife was ever punished), the culture at that time never expected noble husbands and wives to spend much time together. Florent-Claude appreciated that Voltaire rebuilt Cirey on his own dime and they even became friends, taking long walks and hunting together during visits.
As for Emilie’s treatment of her children, I’ve read less about that. But I think she is simply a product of her time. For the French aristocracy of 18th century, arranging advantageous marriages was nearly the only way to create opportunity for your daughter. Emilie worked really hard to negotiate her daughter’s marriage, using her diplomatic ties and a clever arrangement of dowry payments. I think, in that way, we see how much Emilie cared for her daughter. But, I’d like to read more on it. I wonder if she ever talked with Gabrielle-Pauline about math or science or philosophy. I remember in Lauren Gunderson’s play, it’s implied that Gabrielle-Pauline was bitter about the arrangement, but I’m not sure if that’s based on fact. As for Emilie’s son, it was always expected that he would join the military as dictated by his Lorraine heritage (see Judith Zinsser’s book about Emilie). Joining the military meant that he could continue the education Emilie started for him at royal expense.
I don’t think Emilie was a saint by any means though. In fact, I often wonder if I’d like her in person at all if, by some magic, we got the opportunity to meet. I forget which book, but I remember a historian describing how hard she was on her house maids and other staff. But, you know, she’s human and flawed and that’s one of the reasons I love her.
