In terms of believing in a cause no man was more fervent than Evariste Gamelin. Gamelin committed himself to the cause of the French Revolution completely.

Gamelin latched onto the ideals of the Revolution from the very beginning.  The reader must ask oneself why Gamelin would join the Revolution, and embrace it so completely.  To answer this question one must delve into Gamelin’s character and truly understand him.  Gamelin is presented as a very naïve man.  He is quick to change his opinions if a person he respects influences him.  When Gamelin listens to a speech by Robespierre he changes many of the views he had prior.  Previously Gamelin had felt that dividing up all property and making everything equal was proper, but Robespierre changed his mind with one sentence.

The wise Robespierre enlightened him further regarding the perfidious intentions of those who favored equality of property and partition of land, who were demanding the abolition of wealth and poverty and the establishment of a happy mediocrity for all.  But Robespierre unmasked their machinations and convinced him that these men, ostensibly so disinterested, were working to undermine the Republic. (France, 149)

This complete changing of his opinion shows how easily Gamelin is willing to change his beliefs, and how gullible he truly is.  

Another reason for Gamelin’s belief is due to his need to belong to something greater than himself.  Prior to the Revolution Gamelin was a simple artist.  He has some ability, but his talent was not enough to ever make him important, but the Revolution gave him that opportunity.  However, Gamelin was certainly not a Revolutionary for personal gain; he simply needed something to believe in.  

One of the main reasons for Gamelin’s joining the Revolution is his desire to help others.  His giving nature is shown too the reader when he gives half of his bread to a starving mother.  “…he cut his loaf in two and put half of it on the young mother’s knees.” (France, 83)  This shows that Gamelin truly cares for others, and wants to do what is best for them.  Later this belief translates into that whereby killing traitors, and terrorizing the populace he will be able to create a better world for all.