Lucien and David’s Friendship

Illusions perdues

Their intimate friendship changes from mutual encouragement into painful dependence, betrayal, and a final effort at reconciliation.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

School Companions School Companions from "Illusions perdues". School Companions Recognition David Séchard and Lucien de Rubempré recognize each other as gifted young men held back by poverty.

School Companions from "Illusions perdues". School Companions Recognition David Séchard and Lucien de Rubempré recognize each other as gifted young men held back by poverty.

School Companions Recognition David Séchard and Lucien de Rubempré recognize each other as gifted young men held back by poverty. Affection Their friendship offers each a companion who understands the ambitions they cannot yet fulfill.

David’s Support David’s Support from "Illusions perdues". David’s Support Help David Séchard gives Lucien money and work at the printing house when Lucien approaches despair.

David’s Support from "Illusions perdues". David’s Support Help David Séchard gives Lucien money and work at the printing house when Lucien approaches despair.

David’s Support Help David Séchard gives Lucien money and work at the printing house when Lucien approaches despair. Hope He also encourages Lucien’s literary future and shares in his plans for a more prosperous life.

The Cost of Departure The Cost of Departure from "Illusions perdues". The Cost of Departure Sacrifice David Séchard lends Lucien money and accepts that his friend will leave before Ève’s wedding.

The Cost of Departure from "Illusions perdues". The Cost of Departure Sacrifice David Séchard lends Lucien money and accepts that his friend will leave before Ève’s wedding.

The Cost of Departure Sacrifice David Séchard lends Lucien money and accepts that his friend will leave before Ève’s wedding. Warning He asks Lucien to remember the family’s sacrifice and return their trust with loyalty.

A Forged Name A Forged Name from "Illusions perdues". A Forged Name Betrayal Lucien forges David’s signature to obtain money and places his friend’s business at risk.

A Forged Name from "Illusions perdues". A Forged Name Betrayal Lucien forges David’s signature to obtain money and places his friend’s business at risk.

A Forged Name Betrayal Lucien forges David’s signature to obtain money and places his friend’s business at risk. Response David remains emotionally attached, but the act exposes the difference between their values.

A Brother’s Return A Brother’s Return from "Illusions perdues". A Brother’s Return Reunion Lucien and David embrace after David’s arrest and Lucien’s public failure.

A Brother’s Return from "Illusions perdues". A Brother’s Return Reunion Lucien and David embrace after David’s arrest and Lucien’s public failure.

A Brother’s Return Reunion Lucien and David embrace after David’s arrest and Lucien’s public failure. Fragility Their affection survives, but Ève and David no longer trust Lucien to protect them from his own decisions.

Before 1821

Early 1821

Before Lucien travels to Paris

During Lucien’s Paris debts

After Lucien returns to Angoulême