The guillotine is a device that was used for carrying out executions by beheading. It consists of a tall frame with a heavy blade that drops down swiftly to sever the head of the condemned person. This method became widely known during the French Revolution, where it was seen as a more humane way to execute prisoners compared to other brutal methods. The guillotine symbolizes the radical changes in society during the revolution, reflecting the demand for equality and justice. Although it was intended to be a fair and efficient means of execution, it also became associated with the violence and chaos of the time, leading to its eventual decline in use.