Reference:   Shueisha bunko 4, 310-319 (tankoubon 8);   anime ep.38

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 Manga

[ July 13, 1789.   A starved crowd gathers in Tuileries Square and begins throwing stones at the soldiers.   The soldiers fire back, causing a riot.   Meanwhile, Oscar and her troops are waiting for instructions in Paris.   A messenger soon arrives with news of the riots.   Oscar turns to face her troops. ]

Oscar:	My fellow soldiers! As you heard, Prince Lambesc's German cavalry has fired at the people. I've told you this before. All hearts are free. All human beings on earth have freedom of the heart, the freedom to be no one's slave, the freedom to be no one's possession. Now, I'd like to correct an error in that speech. "Correct" is perhaps not the proper word. "Supplement" is more fitting. Freedom should not exist merely within the heart. It should reach the fingertips and hair strands of every human being. All should be free and equal before God. The former America has won independence from England with her own hands. Now, our French people have bravely stood up and raised the flag of Freedom, Equality, and Fraternity. From now on, I will abandon my title of Countess and all that is granted to the sovereignty of a Count! Well, make your choice! Will you stay as pawns of the King and nobles and point your guns at the people? Or will you become free citizens and join the people in this glorious deed?
[ Soldiers cheer.   Colonel Dagout leaves for Versailles. ] < ... >
Oscar:	Well, my brave soldiers! We will join the People and fight for our country. Neither a hero nor general alone has the power to change history. We the People are the ones who will make history. We will become heroes in the name of our country. We the French Guards will remain on people's minds, and our names will be passed down with history from generation to generation, till the end of time. Our target is the German cavalry in Tuileries Square! Load ammunition! Attack!

Oscar:

André, when the battle is over, it's time for wedding. {{ Adieu!   All of my old castles! To those I can no longer return, my bedroom, Father, Mother! Adieu, the Crown Prince, the Crown Princess, the Queen of Rococo whom I served and loved deeply, the beautiful goddess of love! Adieu, adieu, Count Fersen! }}

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 Anime

[ July 13, 1789.   Oscar and André arrive at the French Guards barracks.   Oscar begins telling her regiment about the order to assemble in Paris.   After acknowledging their concerns about their families, she goes on to describe her plans. ]

Oscar:

I think ... no, I'll tell you the path I shall take. It's entirely personal. I now resign as your Commander. Why?   Because the man I love and trust won't fire at the people, just like all of you. I'd like to follow his lead. If he fights along with the people, I too will fight. Fellows, I've become Andre Grandier's wife. As his wife, I'd like to walk the same path as my husband.

[ Soldiers cheer.   Alain shakes Oscar's hands and congratulates the lovers.   Colonel Dagout leaves for Versailles. ]

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Again, the manga and anime arrive at dramatically different conclusions about Oscar's world view.   This time, the question is why she joins the revolutionaries.   The manga emphasizes her willingness to fight for her ideals -- the freedom of human spirit and the right to choose one's own destiny.   In contrast, the anime shifts the focus to her love for André and respect for his compassion towards the people.

To be fair, both versions offer reasonable explanations within their story and character framework.   As the manga describes Oscar's feelings about class more fully, her speech is a natural step in her development of social consciousness.   Moreover, it serves as a turning point in her quest for personal independence.   The anime, having condensed much of the storyline, chooses to frame it within the context of love.   A setup similar to the manga's would probably seem forced given the relatively few lines Oscar says about the topic.

Still I must say that I prefer the manga's approach for the lovely prose and philosophical idealism.   While the anime's portrayal is more romantic, I think that it makes more sense to have Oscar decides her own destiny.   I find it odd that someone as strong-willed and courageous as Oscar would simply give up her leadership for love.   The Oscar in the anime also appears more restrained and sensible, so it is quite a shock to see her suddenly announce a professional decision as a personal matter.

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