Discussion of Sources and Historiography

Primary Sources

- Correspondence: Letters between Marie Antoinette and her mother, brothers, friends - Memoirs: Accounts by Madame Campan, Count Mercy-Argenteau, and other contemporaries - Trial records: Transcripts from the Revolutionary Tribunal - Contemporary newspapers and pamphlets: Both supportive and hostile

Evolution of Historical Interpretation

18th-19th Century: Polarized between royalist hagiography and republican demonization

Early 20th Century: Beginning of more balanced academic approach, Stefan Zweig's psychological biography

Late 20th Century: Feminist reinterpretation, examining role of misogyny in her treatment

21st Century: Cultural studies approach, analyzing her as celebrity and media construction

Key Debates

- Extent of her political influence - Nature of relationship with Count Fersen - Responsibility for France's financial crisis - Authenticity of various attributed quotes - Role in counter-revolutionary activities