Napoleon Bonaparte: Interpretive Analysis of a Great Leader

Introduction

Baron Claude-François De Meneval, in his work on Napoleon, remembers the French leader as seemingly "immortal" — someone who was vigorous yet struck down "by a terrible storm," and someone worthy of remembrance in many ways (p. ix). This paper examines two distinct historical portrayals of Napoleon Bonaparte — one drawn from De Meneval's personal memoir and another from Geyl and Renier's comparative historical study — in order to analyze how each source constructs a picture of Napoleon's character, daily life, and leadership style.

De Meneval's Portrait of Napoleon

De Meneval describes a day in the life of Napoleon shortly after his return from a trip to Egypt, where Bonaparte had been interested in spreading his influence. The author describes Napoleon as "gentlemanly" and suggests that he was an individual of clear mind and focused purpose, explaining to his colleagues, among other things, the plausible motives he might employ to satisfy "the desire of the population" (De Meneval, 1894: 9).

Napoleon is further described as someone whose presence that particular day inspired warm enthusiasm from the population at large — a testament, in part, to his "zeal and devotion" (De Meneval, 1894: 9). Among Napoleon's concerns as described by De Meneval that day was remedying the "pitiful state" in which the troops of Corsica found themselves, with his emphasis firmly on keeping them alive and well (p. 10).

A day in the life of Napoleon according to De Meneval might include attending to many tedious yet important military tasks, appeasing the needs of the public, and projecting the image of a warm, compassionate, and charismatic leader. Bonaparte is also portrayed as sharing the interests of any common man — including eating fruit upon his return from the journey, which was apparently a "luxury" he had not enjoyed much while traveling (De Meneval, 1894: 10). These events are described as occurring around October 1799, when Napoleon returned to shore with an appetite for simple pleasures long denied during his campaign.

Geyl and Renier's Portrait of Napoleon

Geyl and Renier (1949) present Napoleon as an individual who led a legendary life, describing him as a "mighty Emperor" but also as someone who, "for all his incomparable cleverness, greatness and luck, is nevertheless accessible" (p. 23). Viewing an ordinary day in Napoleon's life, the authors suggest that above all else Napoleon was concerned with possessing equality, restoring order, and presenting the public with a victorious and likeable leader committed to the best interests of the people of France (Geyl & Renier, 1949: 23).

A day in Napoleon's life as described by Geyl and Renier is one filled with "enthusiasm for liberty, memories of glory, nations made by kings and leaders ennobled by him" (Geyl & Renier, 1949: 28). Though the authors point out that many across Europe sought to defeat Napoleon, he was "a king remembered by the people" — one whose ordinary days were filled with caring for the public's best interests and spreading charm and charisma throughout the nation (Geyl & Renier, 1949: 28). Napoleon is described both as the man of the people and as the man of the "hero-worshiping boy." Geyl and Renier also take many opportunities to examine Napoleon's life and, in the majority of instances, emphasize the great sorrow the people of France felt when Napoleon was no longer present to lead them.

Comparing Methodological Approaches

Geyl and Renier make effective use of primary sources to attest to Napoleon's greatness, drawing on accounts from several authors including Mignet, Bignon, Armand Lefebvre, and Adolphe Thiers. The authors also take into consideration less favorable views of Napoleon by examining the works of Jules Barni, Pierre Lanfrey, and Comte D'Haussonville, among others. In contrast, De Meneval's account of a day in Napoleon's life centers more on his own personal recollections and interactions with the Emperor, though he does utilize a few primary sources to support his observations about the king's persona. The majority of these primary sources are referenced in passing or as supporting evidence rather than as the focal point of argument.

Geyl and Renier's approach, by contrast, places primary sources at the center of the argument. The majority of their work is composed of other people's recollections, from which the authors then draw their conclusions. This is the principal methodological difference between the two works. It is difficult to judge which approach is more effective, as both portray Napoleon in essentially the same light, using slightly different techniques and perspectives. One might argue that Geyl and Renier's work is more comprehensive because it incorporates a critique of both the positive and the negative aspects of Napoleon's life.

Conclusion

Geyl and Renier present Napoleon as a fearless leader who is ultimately human and, as such, subject to the same whims and fancies as any man — much as De Meneval suggested when he described Napoleon looking for fruit. Both works overwhelmingly portray Napoleon in a positive light and tend to set aside the negative historical information that exists about the former leader. Each source, in its own way, contributes to our understanding of the Napoleonic era by humanizing a figure whose reputation has long oscillated between myth and reality. Together, they remind readers that even the most consequential historical figures lived ordinary days filled with mundane concerns alongside their momentous decisions.

References

Claude-François De Meneval, B. Memoirs Illustrating the History of Napoleon I from 1802 to 1815, vol. 1. New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1894.

Geyl, P. M. & Renier, O. M. Napoleon: For and Against. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1949.