The Mother’s Love and Fear

Illusions perdues

Madame Chardon’s devotion to Lucien survives his failures, though each return of hope is shadowed by fear for his future.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Mother’s Investment A Mother’s Investment from "Illusions perdues". A Mother’s Investment Sacrifice Madame Chardon works and lives modestly so that Lucien can pursue an education and literary ambition.

A Mother’s Investment from "Illusions perdues". A Mother’s Investment Sacrifice Madame Chardon works and lives modestly so that Lucien can pursue an education and literary ambition.

A Mother’s Investment Sacrifice Madame Chardon works and lives modestly so that Lucien can pursue an education and literary ambition. Faith She and Ève Séchard believe his talent will redeem the family’s hardship.

Protecting His Pride Protecting His Pride from "Illusions perdues". Protecting His Pride Care Madame Chardon hides her former work as a nurse to spare Lucien embarrassment.

Protecting His Pride from "Illusions perdues". Protecting His Pride Care Madame Chardon hides her former work as a nurse to spare Lucien embarrassment.

Protecting His Pride Care Madame Chardon hides her former work as a nurse to spare Lucien embarrassment. Cost The family organizes its limited means around his prospects rather than its own security.

The News from Paris The News from Paris from "Illusions perdues". The News from Paris Alarm Letters and reports reveal Lucien’s debts, his affair with Coralie, and the weakening of his literary prospects.

The News from Paris from "Illusions perdues". The News from Paris Alarm Letters and reports reveal Lucien’s debts, his affair with Coralie, and the weakening of his literary prospects.

The News from Paris Alarm Letters and reports reveal Lucien’s debts, his affair with Coralie, and the weakening of his literary prospects. Endurance Madame Chardon grieves but continues to pray and work for him.

The Returned Son The Returned Son from "Illusions perdues". The Returned Son Reunion Madame Chardon welcomes Lucien home despite his failures and the burdens they have caused.

The Returned Son from "Illusions perdues". The Returned Son Reunion Madame Chardon welcomes Lucien home despite his failures and the burdens they have caused.

The Returned Son Reunion Madame Chardon welcomes Lucien home despite his failures and the burdens they have caused. Rebuke She tells him plainly that his actions have damaged the family and asks him to choose steadier work.

Family Without Illusions Family Without Illusions from "Illusions perdues". Family Without Illusions Fear Madame Chardon faces the possibility that Lucien’s actions have endangered David again.

Family Without Illusions from "Illusions perdues". Family Without Illusions Fear Madame Chardon faces the possibility that Lucien’s actions have endangered David again.

Family Without Illusions Fear Madame Chardon faces the possibility that Lucien’s actions have endangered David again. Love Her affection remains, but she no longer mistakes remorse for a guarantee of lasting change.

Lucien’s youth in L’Houmeau

Before Lucien’s Paris departure

Late 1821 and early 1822

After Lucien’s walk back from Paris

After the forged letter leads to David’s arrest