Lucien’s Ascent and Collapse

Illusions perdues

This central thread follows Lucien de Rubempré from provincial hope through Parisian success and compromise to ruin and renewed dependence on others.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Provincial Poet Provincial Poet from "Illusions perdues". Provincial Poet Origins Lucien de Rubempré grows up in poverty at L’Houmeau, sustained by the sacrifices of Madame Chardon and Ève Séchard.

Provincial Poet from "Illusions perdues". Provincial Poet Origins Lucien de Rubempré grows up in poverty at L’Houmeau, sustained by the sacrifices of Madame Chardon and Ève Séchard.

Provincial Poet Origins Lucien de Rubempré grows up in poverty at L’Houmeau, sustained by the sacrifices of Madame Chardon and Ève Séchard. Ambition His beauty and poetic hopes make him imagine that talent can lift him above his birth.

Aristocratic Welcome Aristocratic Welcome from "Illusions perdues". Aristocratic Welcome Entry Louise de Bargeton invites Lucien de Rubempré into her Angoulême salon and encourages his literary ambition.

Aristocratic Welcome from "Illusions perdues". Aristocratic Welcome Entry Louise de Bargeton invites Lucien de Rubempré into her Angoulême salon and encourages his literary ambition.

Aristocratic Welcome Entry Louise de Bargeton invites Lucien de Rubempré into her Angoulême salon and encourages his literary ambition. First fracture The local aristocracy’s mockery teaches him how vulnerable a provincial outsider remains.

Parisian Rejection Parisian Rejection from "Illusions perdues". Parisian Rejection Arrival Lucien de Rubempré follows Louise de Bargeton to Paris expecting literary and social opportunity.

Parisian Rejection from "Illusions perdues". Parisian Rejection Arrival Lucien de Rubempré follows Louise de Bargeton to Paris expecting literary and social opportunity.

Parisian Rejection Arrival Lucien de Rubempré follows Louise de Bargeton to Paris expecting literary and social opportunity. Reversal The city exposes his poverty and inexperience; Louise withdraws, leaving him alone with dwindling money.

Journalist’s Rise Journalist’s Rise from "Illusions perdues". Journalist’s Rise Breakthrough Étienne Lousteau draws Lucien de Rubempré into newspaper work, where his sharp writing wins notice.

Journalist’s Rise from "Illusions perdues". Journalist’s Rise Breakthrough Étienne Lousteau draws Lucien de Rubempré into newspaper work, where his sharp writing wins notice.

Journalist’s Rise Breakthrough Étienne Lousteau draws Lucien de Rubempré into newspaper work, where his sharp writing wins notice. Compromise He discovers that articles can be traded, manipulated, and used to punish rivals as readily as to praise talent.

Ruin and Departure Ruin and Departure from "Illusions perdues". Ruin and Departure Collapse Lucien de Rubempré loses Coralie, his literary standing, and his financial security after making enemies across the press.

Ruin and Departure from "Illusions perdues". Ruin and Departure Collapse Lucien de Rubempré loses Coralie, his literary standing, and his financial security after making enemies across the press.

Ruin and Departure Collapse Lucien de Rubempré loses Coralie, his literary standing, and his financial security after making enemies across the press. Return He leaves Paris on foot, seeking the family he once neglected and a way out of his despair.

Before 1821

Early 1821

September 1821

Autumn 1821

After Coralie’s death, 1822