The Swiss People and Their Country

William Tell (P. G. Wodehouse Edition)

This thread follows the people’s changing sense of collective identity as shared hardship develops into unity and national freedom.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Shared Hardship Shared Hardship from "William Tell". Shared Hardship Everyday burdens The Swiss people face taxes on livestock and food under Austrian rule.

Shared Hardship from "William Tell". Shared Hardship Everyday burdens The Swiss people face taxes on livestock and food under Austrian rule.

Shared Hardship Everyday burdens The Swiss people face taxes on livestock and food under Austrian rule. A common experience The reach of the policy means that separate households share a political grievance. Their attachment to the country is strengthened by a common experience of subjection.

Representatives Chosen Representatives Chosen from "William Tell". Representatives Chosen A public voice The people select Walter Furst, Werner Stauffacher, and Arnold of Melchthal to speak for them.

Representatives Chosen from "William Tell". Representatives Chosen A public voice The people select Walter Furst, Werner Stauffacher, and Arnold of Melchthal to speak for them.

Representatives Chosen A public voice The people select Walter Furst, Werner Stauffacher, and Arnold of Melchthal to speak for them. Collective hope Their delegation expresses a belief that public concerns can still be carried to the Governor. The failure of this shared effort will deepen the people’s sense of exclusion.

Unity Debated Unity Debated from "William Tell". Unity Debated A strategic disagreement Werner Stauffacher argues that strength lies in standing together, while William Tell says a strong person may be…

Unity Debated from "William Tell". Unity Debated A strategic disagreement Werner Stauffacher argues that strength lies in standing together, while William Tell says a strong person may be…

Unity Debated A strategic disagreement Werner Stauffacher argues that strength lies in standing together, while William Tell says a strong person may be strongest alone. A shared commitment Tell clarifies that he will not abandon the people but is better suited to deeds than councils. Different ideas of strength coexist within the emerging movement.

A Public Bond A Public Bond from "William Tell". A Public Bond A hero and his audience The crowd cheers William Tell, joins the fight after he acts, and celebrates his shot through the hat.

A Public Bond from "William Tell". A Public Bond A hero and his audience The crowd cheers William Tell, joins the fight after he acts, and celebrates his shot through the hat.

A Public Bond A hero and his audience The crowd cheers William Tell, joins the fight after he acts, and celebrates his shot through the hat. Mutual dependence Tell gives their anger a focus, while their presence helps turn his personal confrontation into collective resistance. The connection between champion and people becomes visible in action.

A Free Country A Free Country from "William Tell". A Free Country Collective victory The Swiss people take the fortresses and maintain their independence while the successor is occupied.

A Free Country from "William Tell". A Free Country Collective victory The Swiss people take the fortresses and maintain their independence while the successor is occupied.

A Free Country Collective victory The Swiss people take the fortresses and maintain their independence while the successor is occupied. Unity vindicated The country’s freedom follows from sustained preparation, shared action, and a favorable political opening. The people’s relationship with their homeland changes from subjection to self-rule.

At the opening of the story

After complaints spread through the community

During the planning meetings at the inn

During the confrontation at the meadow

Near the ending, after the Emperor’s death