I’ve heard many people in the past say that she never actually said “let them eat cake” and that it’s just a mistranslation. What did she actually say and if she did say something like that, what did she mean?
Hi, these threads might be of interest to you:
How did "Let them eat cake" become associated with Marie Antoinette? by u/OakheartIX
I've heard that Marie Antoinette never said "let them eat cake." Is this true? If so, what is the origin of this story? by u/cthulhushrugged
Both comments state that it's not just a mistranslation, Marie Antoinette never said anything like that at all.
There are a few documented letters where Marie Antoinette talks about the poor and bread. They do not express a sentiment similar to "Let them eat cake."
From a letter written by Marie Antoinette to her mother Maria Theresa, 22 June 1775. This was written after the coronation of Louis XVI in June of 1775, which itself came shortly after widespread riots (called the "Flour Wars") related to a steep increase in the price of bread.
It is at the same time amazing and wonderful to be so well received two months after the [bread] riots and in spite of of the high price of bread which unfortunately continues. ... It is certain that when people who are suffering treat us so well, we are even more obligated to work for their happiness.
Another letter, this time from July 1775. In this letter she talks about the reduction of overall court spending due to the current bread crisis.
We will have very few fetes, even though they will celebrate both the birth [of the comtesse d'Artois' child] and [Madame Clotilde’s] marriage. Money will be saved; but, far more essential, a good example will be set for the people who have suffered so much from the high cost of bread. Luckily hope is returning; the wheat fields look very good, and bread is sure to be cheaper once the crop is in.
A letter written by Marie Antoinette to the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau, who was the former Austrian ambassador to France, on October 7th, 1789. This letter was written just a day after the October Days, during which a mob of mostly women invaded the palace of Versailles, killed several guards, and eventually compelled the king to agree to move with his family to Paris.
I hope that if there is no lack of bread, many things will be righted. I am in touch with the people; militiamen, market women; they all hold out their hand to me, and I hold out mine to them.
Sources: Letter quotes are from Olivier Bernier's Secrets of Marie Antoinette, except the 1789 letter which is from Mary Hudson's The Indomitable Marie Antoinette.