The Public Conflict

William Tell (P. G. Wodehouse Edition)

This thread traces conflict between the Swiss people and the regime as silence, evasion, confrontation, and rebellion give way to independence.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Private Grievance Private Grievance from "William Tell". Private Grievance A common burden The Swiss people face taxes on goods that shape ordinary household life.

Private Grievance from "William Tell". Private Grievance A common burden The Swiss people face taxes on goods that shape ordinary household life.

Private Grievance A common burden The Swiss people face taxes on goods that shape ordinary household life. Discontent gains a focus The Governor’s policy gives people a shared reason to resent rule from Austria. A diffuse frustration begins to take political form.

A Failed Appeal A Failed Appeal from "William Tell". A Failed Appeal Representatives speak Walter Furst, Werner Stauffacher, and Arnold of Melchthal carry the people’s complaint into the audience hall.

A Failed Appeal from "William Tell". A Failed Appeal Representatives speak Walter Furst, Werner Stauffacher, and Arnold of Melchthal carry the people’s complaint into the audience hall.

A Failed Appeal Representatives speak Walter Furst, Werner Stauffacher, and Arnold of Melchthal carry the people’s complaint into the audience hall. A humiliating return They leave without tax relief, having been intimidated into accepting the existing policy. The failure weakens faith in persuasion and strengthens the case for resistance.

Avoidance and Ridicule Avoidance and Ridicule from "William Tell". Avoidance and Ridicule Noncompliance without battle The people circumvent the meadow rather than perform the required homage.

Avoidance and Ridicule from "William Tell". Avoidance and Ridicule Noncompliance without battle The people circumvent the meadow rather than perform the required homage.

Avoidance and Ridicule Noncompliance without battle The people circumvent the meadow rather than perform the required homage. Mockery follows A crowd later jeers at the guards and pelts them with missiles. The resistance is still improvisational, but it is no longer invisible.

The Crowd Joins Tell The Crowd Joins Tell from "William Tell". The Crowd Joins Tell A first act of violence Friesshardt strikes William Tell, and Tell answers with a blow of his own.

The Crowd Joins Tell from "William Tell". The Crowd Joins Tell A first act of violence Friesshardt strikes William Tell, and Tell answers with a blow of his own.

The Crowd Joins Tell A first act of violence Friesshardt strikes William Tell, and Tell answers with a blow of his own. Collective action The crowd now fights beside him, despite its fear of the soldiers’ armor. The clash transforms spectators into participants, though Tell’s arrow through the hat makes the clearest statement.

Rebellion and Freedom Rebellion and Freedom from "William Tell". Rebellion and Freedom A rising becomes possible The people attack the fortresses built by Hermann Gessler and dismantle the regime’s strongholds.

Rebellion and Freedom from "William Tell". Rebellion and Freedom A rising becomes possible The people attack the fortresses built by Hermann Gessler and dismantle the regime’s strongholds.

Rebellion and Freedom A rising becomes possible The people attack the fortresses built by Hermann Gessler and dismantle the regime’s strongholds. A favorable opening The Emperor’s death prevents Austria from responding quickly, and the Swiss people consolidate their freedom. What began with taxes and a hat ends in independence.

Early in the story

After the people send their delegates

The first day of the pole decree

During the fight around the pole

After news of Hermann Gessler’s death reaches the towns