Elsa’s Displacement

Elsa moves from accepted companion to abandoned lover, then returns as an instrument in Cécile’s scheme with feelings of her own.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Accepted Company

Accepted Company Familiar companionship Elsa lives with Raymond and Cécile as his current mistress. Cécile accepts her as friendly, uncomplicated company. An insecure position Elsa’s place depends on Raymond’s changing desires. The ease of the arrangement conceals how little security it offers her.

The Casino Abandonment

The Casino Abandonment Left behind Raymond leaves the casino with Anne, and Elsa realizes he has abandoned her. Cécile tries to conceal the reason but cannot spare her the humiliation. A sincere grief Elsa cries that they had been happy. Cécile sees her less as a social accessory and more as a person who has lost a relationship.

A New Appearance

A New Appearance Renewed confidence Elsa returns for her belongings looking healthier and more radiant. She mentions a new benefactor, but her question about Raymond exposes continuing attachment. An opening for Cécile Cécile recognizes that Elsa can be persuaded through hope and vanity. Elsa’s personal feelings become the lever for a larger plan.

The Staged Romance

The Staged Romance A role accepted Elsa agrees to appear with Cyril, believing she may recover Raymond. Cécile presents the plan as a way to defend Elsa’s love and future. An emotional performance Elsa plays her part with growing conviction. The performance is dangerous because its audience, including Raymond, responds as if it were real.

A Final Disappearance

A Final Disappearance The plot loses its center After Anne dies, Elsa and Cyril wait at the villa, but their romance seems insignificant beside the loss. Cécile no longer feels drawn to Cyril. No restored place Elsa does not recover her former position with Raymond. The scheme that briefly revived her hopes leaves no lasting future for her.

At the beginning of the holiday

The night Raymond and Anne attend Cannes

Several days after Elsa leaves

After Cécile recruits Elsa and Cyril

After Anne’s fatal accident