Por: Hernán Yamanaka
La muerte encontró a Napoleón Bonaparte a la caída del sol del 5 de mayo de 1821, desterrado en la lejanísima isla santa Elena, el verdadero fin del mundo. Seis años antes había dejado el poder derrotado en Waterloo y -descortésmente traicionado por los británicos que fingieron ser sus anfitriones- llevado a esa roca semiprehistórica al fondo del Atlántico, a 8000 kilómetros de su amada Francia.
En Longwood House -así se llamó la casa de residencia- el emperador y los cinco fieles generales que lo acompañaron desde Europa escribieron el final del sueño napoleónico.
El dictador bienintencionado
El genio de Napoleón es indiscutible. Extremadamente lógico (lo estratégico-táctico fue su fuerte), pragmático, visionario y audaz son algunas características del Gran Corso. Hijo de la Ilustración y de la Revolución Francesa, supo ir más allá de ellas y darles una forma más ordenada, menos excitada.
Dio un golpe de Estado contra el Directorio, órgano colegiado que detentaba el poder de la República (el 9 de noviembre de 1779 o el 18 de brumario del año VIII del calendario de la Revolución). Sin derramar sangre, con la elegante persuasión de las armas, Napoleón logró la caída del régimen -en verdad muy ineficiente y corrupto- y ser nombrado primer cónsul (al inicio por 10 años). Su poder absoluto le permitió hacer y deshacer en una Francia sedienta de paz y necesitada de protección, ante los reinos europeos que la miraban como enemiga: el republicanismo revolucionario francés era una amenaza al absolutismo monárquico y no sería tolerado.
Entonces, surge este militar, este cónsul, este emperador como arquitecto en el caos de la nueva República y como encarnación de un destino común contra el enemigo colectivo. El resto es historia conocida.
Debe y haber
La biografía de Napoleón es la de un hombre tan sobresaliente como ambiguo, sus luces compiten con sus sombras. El «Debe» napoleónico pesa mucho. Desconcertante serán siempre la restauración de la esclavitud en las colonias francesas (sistema abolido por la Revolución); la indiferencia al exorbitante número de bajas que producía sus campañas; el nepotismo impúdico que lo llevó a convertir a sus familiares en testas coronadas; la megalomanía con la que hablaba, actuaba y decidía.
En el «Haber» de esa vida están su deseo de estabilizar Francia, aún caótica por la farra de la Revolución; volver a la convivencia civilizada promulgando códigos (destaca el Código Napoleónico de 1804 que aún hoy es ejemplo en lo suyo); su ánimo constructor que hizo de París un modelo de urbanismo; reformar el sistema educativo; abolir los resquicios de feudalismo; instaurar la libertad religiosa, al punto de ser bendecido en la coronación por Pío VII; ordenar la economía creando el Banco de Reserva, entre otros muchos logros.
La Legión de Honor
Napoleón tenía claro que era preciso honrar a los ciudadanos que aportaban a la grandeza de Francia y, al mismo tiempo, crear una nobleza basada en la excelencia y no en el origen: una nueva orden constituida por la meritocracia que no recordara las taras del Ancien Régime. Por ello, creó la Legión de Honor (1802), condecoración que premiaba los más altos servicios prestados a la nación y cultura francesas.
Este honor se volvió parte de la historia de Francia y hoy se entrega también a extranjeros sumamente destacados. Varios peruanos son miembros de la Orden: Jorge Sanjinés Lenz, excombatiente por Francia en la Segunda Guerra Mundial; Salomón Lerner Febres, ex rector de la Universidad Católica; Mario Vargas Llosa, entre otros. La Legión de Honor es reconocida como una de las mayores distinciones civiles del mundo.
La muerte del emperador
¿De qué murió Napoleón? La autopsia dice que de cáncer estomacal, algunas teorías que fue envenado (el famoso arsénico) y no faltan los que culpan a la pena como causa de la muerte. Lo último no es delirio, pues no hay duda que Napoleón sufrió una profunda melancolía (¿o depresión patológica?) en su severo encierro sin cadenas, un deshacimiento por todo lo perdido: la corona imperial, la gloria, su hijo, la familia, sus amadas tropas…incluso la esperanza. A Napoleón lo mató un tumor y también haber sido sepultado vivo.
Por si faltara algo, sus años finales fueron doblemente amargos por la severidad del encargado de su detención, sir Hudson Lowe, gobernador de la isla, empeñado en atormentar con guante blanco la resistencia de Napoleón (a quien llamaba despectivamente: «El general»). Al expirar, las últimas palabras del emperador fueron: «France, l’armée, Joséphine» que sintetizaban sus grandes amores… la patria, sus soldados, Josefina.
Una celebridad incómoda
Desde hace mucho el Affaire Bonaparte es una piedra en el zapato de los Gobiernos franceses que no saben bien cómo tratarlo. El emperador es omnipresente y, a la vez, muy incómodo: ¿Cómo celebrar a un advenedizo, a un ambicioso y astuto que restableció -maquillada- la monarquía decapitada por la Revolución? ¿Y cómo no ver su gran obra legislativa, arquitectónica, cultural y esa leyenda que ha traspasado el tiempo y la imaginación, tocando incluso el humor del mexicano Chespirito con su personaje «Chaparrón Bonaparte»?
Napoleón Bonaparte: doscientos años de haberse apagado en esa roca que abofetean los vientos llamada santa Elena. Su sombra, tan grande, sigue dado serenidad y frio, ilumina y desconcierta. El Gran Corso duerme ya al margen de juicios y especulaciones en el cuádruple ataúd que lo acoge, como un seno, dentro del rojizo sarcófago de cuarcita que parece un altar. Él, tan consciente de su grandeza, tan autosuficiente… ¡cómo reirá al saber que reposa en un lugar llamado Los Inválidos!
I’ve recently started a web site, the info you provide on this website has helped
me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Feel free to visit my blog :: Prime Naturals Review
Thank you for sharing with us, I conceive this website really stands out :D.
Also visit my blog post … Muama Ryoko Reviews (http://www.comptine.biz)
Whoah this blog is fantastic i lie studying your posts. Stay up the great work!
You realize, many people are searching round for this info, you could aid them
greatly.
Aw, this was a really good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a
very good article? but what can I say? I hesitate a whole lot and never manage to get
anything done.
Feel free to surf to my blog – http://www.craksracing.com/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=GreenwoodCarroll
Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this website.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very
hard to get that «perfect balance» between superb usability and visual appearance.
I must say you have done a excellent job with this.
Also, the blog loads very quick for me on Internet explorer.
Outstanding Blog!
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the
book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics
to drive the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is
fantastic blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
Hello.This post was really remarkable, particularly because I was
searching for thoughts on this matter last Wednesday.
My page :: http://shihan.com.ru/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=FreelDiana
Yes! Finally someone writes about adhd pill.
my site http://www.goldenanapa.ru/modules.php?name=Your_Account&op=userinfo&username=BoxallBen
Thanks for this wonderful post, I am glad I detected this site on yahoo.
My homepage – http://www.shopping.bookmarking.site/
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having
problems locating it but, I’d like to send you an email.
I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.
Have a look at my webpage Krystle
I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your
site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more
pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme?
Superb work!
My homepage – Drone Max V2 Cost
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your weblog.
Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one these days.
Feel free to surf to my web site :: Zenzi CBD
I used to be recommended this blog by way of my cousin. I am not certain whether this submit is written through him as no one else realize such specific approximately my problem.
You are amazing! Thank you!
Here is my webpage … Essential Nutrition Keto Pills
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am really pleassant to read all at single place.
My web site; Natural Alpha XL Ingredients
My brother suggested I might like this web site. He was
totally right. This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for this info!
Thanks!
my blog: Testo Fit Extreme
Whoah this blog is excellent i like reading your posts. Keep up the great paintings!
You realize, many people are hunting around for this
info, you could help them greatly.
my site Ice Box Air Cooler Review
Hi there! This blog post couldn?t be written much better!
Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate!
He constantly kept preaching about this. I most certainly will forward this information to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!
Here is my homepage: Ashleigh
Asking questions are in fact pleasant thing if you are not understanding anything entirely, except this paragraph presents
nice understanding yet.
Here is my web-site Rosie
I really like your writing style, great information, thank you for posting :D.
Also visit my blog post – VikingXL Reviews
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this
post was great. I do not know who you are but certainly you are
going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
My web blog; flac.or.id
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too fantastic.
I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you
are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining
and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you.
This is really a tremendous website.
Stop by my website – Leaf Boss Gummies
I have recently started a web site, the info you offer on this website
has helped me greatly. Thank you for all of your time & work.
Here is my web blog … http://www.lubertsi.net
Link exchange is nothing else except it is just placing the other person’s
webpage link on your page at appropriate place
and other person will also do same in support of you.
Look at my website; Radical Slim Keto
Hello very cool site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful ..
I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also?
I’m satisfied to find a lot of helpful info here within the submit, we’d like develop extra
strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.
. . . . .
My website … Cognifen
Howdy! This article couldn?t be written any better! Looking at this article reminds me of my previous
roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this.
I most certainly will forward this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a great read. Thank you for sharing!
Have a look at my page :: MetaboFix Reviews
I go to see each day a few web sites and sites to read content, however
this weblog offers quality based writing.
my web site … Vital Max XL Pills
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get got an impatience over
that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further
formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case
you shield this increase.
my homepage :: Radical Slim Keto Review
My husband and i got very lucky Albert managed to
complete his researching through the precious recommendations
he was given out of your site. It’s not at all
simplistic to simply find yourself releasing ideas which often people today
have been making money from. We really remember we
have you to appreciate for this. The explanations you have made, the straightforward website menu, the friendships you
can make it possible to foster – it’s many fabulous, and it is facilitating
our son and us believe that the theme is entertaining, and that is particularly pressing.
Thanks for the whole lot!
my web site … Allura Fresh Reviews
I like this post, enjoyed this one thanks for putting up.
Feel free to visit my page … Bionic Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Price
It?s nearly impossible to find well-informed people
on this subject, however, you seem like you know what you?re talking
about! Thanks
Take a look at my web page; Sage Elixir CBD Oil
Hi there, after reading this remarkable post i am
too glad to share my knowledge here with friends.
Also visit my homepage Bionic Ultrasonic Pest Repeller Reviews
Appreciating the time and effort you put into your site and in depth information you offer.
It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed material.
Excellent read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
My blog :: Pinnacle Science Testo Boost Ingredients
We are a bunch of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with valuable information to work
on. You’ve done an impressive task and our entire neighborhood shall be grateful to you.
Very nice post and right to the point. I
don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do
you guys have any ideea where to hire some professional writers?
Thank you 🙂
Here is my page :: http://forum.adm-tolka.ru/viewtopic.php?id=236472
As I website possessor I conceive the written content here is really
superb, regards for your efforts.
Here is my webpage Radical Slim Keto Reviews
You’ve made some really good points there. I checked
on the web for more info about the issue and found most
individuals will go along with your views on this website.
Feel free to visit my web page … Elite Burn Keto Diet
You made some good points there. I checked on the internet for more info about
the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this site.
Here is my web-site … Elite Burn Keto