To the Scaffold: The Life of Marie Antoinette by Carolly Erickson: Book Analysis

To the Scaffold: The Life of Marie Antoinette, written by Carolly Erickson, presents the life story of one of history's most famous queens. At a young age, she became the queen-consort of France, ruling along a husband - King Louis XVI - who was somewhat inept for the role of monarch. She has often been portrayed as frivolous, overly extravagant woman, yet Erickson's biography attempts to present a more humane and sympathetic portrait. In some ways, she is successful; in others, not so successful.

To the Scaffold begins with the birth of Marie Antoinette - originally named Maria Antonia Josephina Johanna - or rather a description of the day she entered into the world. Erickson provides a clear portrait of the type of woman the future queen had for a mother. Maria Theresa, ruler of the Austrian Empire, was a highly intelligent and efficient woman, as evidenced by the fact that she was engaged in handling state affairs as she suffered the labor pains that would soon bring her youngest daughter into the world.

Like a true politician Empress Maria Theresa had managed to successfully create a dual personality. On the one hand, she ruled her empire with great political acumen that was often considered to be a gift bestowed on men only. On the other hand, she made it a priority to emphasize her femininity. This she accomplished through her prolific childbearing, as well as through maintaining an impeccable and fashionable appearance. As Erickson writes of the Empress: "Her good looks were an asset, and she knew it; she used her femininity, as great queens of the past had done, to arouse her subjects' protective instincts and win their hearts as well as their respect" (Erickson, 13).