Love, Reputation, and Public Conduct

Illusions perdues

The novel shows how private relationships become public tests of honor, especially when provincial society polices women’s reputations.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Watched Affair A Watched Affair from "Illusions perdues". A Watched Affair Visibility Lucien de Rubempré’s visits to Louise de Bargeton take place under the constant observation of Angoulême society.

A Watched Affair from "Illusions perdues". A Watched Affair Visibility Lucien de Rubempré’s visits to Louise de Bargeton take place under the constant observation of Angoulême society.

A Watched Affair Visibility Lucien de Rubempré’s visits to Louise de Bargeton take place under the constant observation of Angoulême society. Constraint Ordinary intimacy becomes a social risk because visitors and servants report what they see.

Scandal and Duel Scandal and Duel from "Illusions perdues". Scandal and Duel Accusation Stanislas de Chandour spreads a compromising account of Lucien and Louise.

Scandal and Duel from "Illusions perdues". Scandal and Duel Accusation Stanislas de Chandour spreads a compromising account of Lucien and Louise.

Scandal and Duel Accusation Stanislas de Chandour spreads a compromising account of Lucien and Louise. Honor Monsieur de Bargeton answers the insult with a duel, making private conduct a public matter.

The Parisian Recalculation The Parisian Recalculation from "Illusions perdues". The Parisian Recalculation Respectability Louise de Bargeton accepts that Paris society will judge her differently if she lives openly with Lucien.

The Parisian Recalculation from "Illusions perdues". The Parisian Recalculation Respectability Louise de Bargeton accepts that Paris society will judge her differently if she lives openly with Lucien.

The Parisian Recalculation Respectability Louise de Bargeton accepts that Paris society will judge her differently if she lives openly with Lucien. Choice She separates their public arrangements to preserve access to the salons she hopes to enter.

A Lover’s Public Humiliation A Lover’s Public Humiliation from "Illusions perdues". A Lover’s Public Humiliation Exposure Coralie chooses Lucien before Camusot and accepts the social and financial consequences.

A Lover’s Public Humiliation from "Illusions perdues". A Lover’s Public Humiliation Exposure Coralie chooses Lucien before Camusot and accepts the social and financial consequences.

A Lover’s Public Humiliation Exposure Coralie chooses Lucien before Camusot and accepts the social and financial consequences. Contrast Her frank attachment differs from the coded respectability expected of women in the aristocratic salons.

Respectability as Strategy Respectability as Strategy from "Illusions perdues". Respectability as Strategy Reappearance Louise de Bargeton returns as the countess of Sixte du Châtelet, protected by rank and office.

Respectability as Strategy from "Illusions perdues". Respectability as Strategy Reappearance Louise de Bargeton returns as the countess of Sixte du Châtelet, protected by rank and office.

Respectability as Strategy Reappearance Louise de Bargeton returns as the countess of Sixte du Châtelet, protected by rank and office. Double standard Her past conduct is forgotten or reinterpreted, while Lucien’s public failures remain attached to his name.

Early 1821

After the lovers are discovered

September 1821

During Coralie’s affair with Lucien

During Louise’s return to Angoulême