Tumbril: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Middle French word 'tombere,' which means 'to fall,' referring to the cart's design.
• Originally, tumbrils were used for carrying farm produce, showcasing their agricultural roots.
• The word has evolved over the centuries, taking on darker meanings in the context of history.

Historical Significance

• Tumbrils became notorious during the French Revolution, used to transport prisoners to the guillotine.
• The imagery of tumbrils in revolutionary France highlights the tension between justice and brutality during that period.
• In literature, such carts often symbolize the inexorable march towards fate, particularly during tumultuous times.

Cultural References

• In the novel 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, a tumbril serves as a powerful symbol of the revolution's ethos.
• The cart's depiction in films often evokes a sense of foreboding, reinforcing its historical associations.
• Modern interpretations sometimes link tumbrils with the idea of collective punishment and societal change.

Art

• Artists during the Romantic period often depicted tumbrils to evoke emotion surrounding themes of death and societal upheaval.
• The imagery of a tumbril has been used in various artworks to capture the struggles of the common people during uprising periods.

Literature

• The use of tumbrils in various writings symbolizes the harsh realities of war and justice.
• Authors often employ the imagery of the tumbril to represent the passage of time and the inevitability of fate.

Ranking #39,786, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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