Clothing
In this text, clothes are associated with civility, nobility and pre-revolution society. Burke argues that humans are born with "defects" which must be "covered up". Here he creates a connection between clothes and civilization. He describes civilized society as being a "decent drapery" which is then "rudely torn off" by revolution. Burke also uses language associated with clothing and coverings such as "wardrobe", "furnished" and "drapery", to create a positive association with pre-revolution society.
Contrastingly, nakedness is associated with the chaos and revolution. Burke says that the revolution will expose the "naked shivering nature" of humanity.
Animals
Animality is used in this text to symbolize post-revolution society. Burke suggests that the French Revolution will destroy civilization and reduce humans to the state of animals. He then threatens his audience with this idea, to dissuade them from supporting the revolution. Burke uses the word "barbarous" to describe the actions of the rebels, and also argues that their ideology is based on "muddy understandings."
Burke suggests that humanity will be reduced to the state of animals in this passage: "On this scheme of things, a king is but a man, a queen is but a woman; a woman is but an animal, and an animal not of the highest order." Here he is arguing that if humanity reject the hierarchy between a king and a man, it will ultimately result in a lack of hierarchy between humans and animals.
Death and Violence
References to death and violence occur repeatedly through this text, in association with the French Revolution. Burke was a political writer and was therefore skilled in creating strong emotional responses through his writing. By associating the revolution repeatedly with death and violence, he is creating a sense of fear. He argues that the French Revolution would dramatically change society, describing pre-revolution society as being "exploded" by revolution. This suggestion of destruction and violence creates a feeling of fear.
In one particularly violent scene, Burke describes an attack on the King and Queen of France, where "a band of cruel ruffians and assassins" attack the king, before entering the chamber of the Queen "reeking with his blood". He describes the palace as being "left swimming in blood, polluted by massacre and strewed with scattered limbs and mutilated carcasses."
The Monarchy
The monarchy is a recurring motif in this text. Burke celebrates the monarchy, associating them with the divine, and arguing that they are appointed by God. Burke depicts the monarchy as a symbol of tradition, order and civility.
Burke gives a particularly flattering description of Marie Antoinette, saying that nothing on this earth is more delightful than her: "Surely never lighted on this orb, which she hardly seemed to touch, a more delightful vision." The phrase "she hardly seemed to touch", associates the Queen with the divine, suggesting that she is superior to others due to her association with God.
