Burke also brings himself into conflict with the Enlightenment and the sentiments of the French Revolution because he maintains that prudence is a wiser course of action than any radical act: he repeatedly uses the letter to denounce clubs like Jacobin and the Revolutionary Society in London, known for disseminating radical ideas opposing long-standing establishments like monarchies, inherited powers, and the church. The letter overall questions many popular theories of the Enlightenment, a period that flourished during much of the eighteenth century and was spearheaded by writers like Jean Jacques Rousseau, who spoke out against establishments like the monarchy and church, accusing them of corruption and oppression. Reflections on the Revolutions in France earns itself a lasting place as one of the most influential arguments for conservatism in political philosophy. Ultimately, as Burke urges readers to retain established institutions like the monarchy, church, and the aristocracy, he implores his countrymen to seek the wise, if reactionary, course of their ancestors. Reflections on the Revolutionin France receives a positive review, however, from England’s monarch, George III, establishing Burke as a political conservative. A previous proponent of several revolutions, notably in the newly-minted United States, Burke elicits shock from his contemporaries in proposing the French err in pursuing their new government. Burke, a Whig, alienates himself from his party regarding the letter’s negative response to the French Revolution. This treatise on political theory, as it would come to be known, would be widely read by Burke’s political contemporaries, with polarizing reviews. In this, he distinguishes what he believes in (abstractions like Rights of Man-that men have dignity and may pursue happiness) and what he believeswill work in practice(how a government can equally provide for those rights among its citizens). The account, being in the epistolary tradition, often takes the form of spontaneous effusions and uses an informal tone however, what Burke offers here is his opinion on the revolution in France based on his opinion of what constitutes the best-working society available to humankind. Throughout the letter, Burke offers his summary on the actions taken by the French Assembly however, he frequently reminds the reader that his knowledge of France is limited, and his accounts are often not of a firsthand nature.
He directs his response to the addressee (Depont), but it is clear that Burke’s audience is more than just Depont. Burke’s reply to Depont is in the epistolary tradition.
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