Louise’s Social Strategy

Illusions perdues

Louise’s feelings for Lucien repeatedly give way to calculations about reputation, class, and access to the royal court.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Salon Patronage Salon Patronage from "Illusions perdues". Salon Patronage Encouragement Louise de Bargeton recognizes Lucien de Rubempré’s beauty and talent and makes him a favored presence in her salon.

Salon Patronage from "Illusions perdues". Salon Patronage Encouragement Louise de Bargeton recognizes Lucien de Rubempré’s beauty and talent and makes him a favored presence in her salon.

Salon Patronage Encouragement Louise de Bargeton recognizes Lucien de Rubempré’s beauty and talent and makes him a favored presence in her salon. Ambivalence Her patronage blends genuine fascination with a wish to shape his future and her own standing.

Flight to Paris Flight to Paris from "Illusions perdues". Flight to Paris Escape After scandal and conflict in Angoulême, Louise de Bargeton leaves for Paris with Lucien de Rubempré.

Flight to Paris from "Illusions perdues". Flight to Paris Escape After scandal and conflict in Angoulême, Louise de Bargeton leaves for Paris with Lucien de Rubempré.

Flight to Paris Escape After scandal and conflict in Angoulême, Louise de Bargeton leaves for Paris with Lucien de Rubempré. Adjustment Sixte du Châtelet persuades her to separate their public lives so that Paris society will receive her.

The Parisian Break The Parisian Break from "Illusions perdues". The Parisian Break Reversal Louise de Bargeton sees Lucien’s provincial clothes and manners through Parisian standards and begins to detach from him.

The Parisian Break from "Illusions perdues". The Parisian Break Reversal Louise de Bargeton sees Lucien’s provincial clothes and manners through Parisian standards and begins to detach from him.

The Parisian Break Reversal Louise de Bargeton sees Lucien’s provincial clothes and manners through Parisian standards and begins to detach from him. Rejection At the Opéra, Madame d’Espard rejects the association, and Louise follows her cousin’s social judgment.

A Marriage of Rank A Marriage of Rank from "Illusions perdues". A Marriage of Rank Advancement Louise de Bargeton becomes the wife of Sixte du Châtelet and returns as the prefect’s countess.

A Marriage of Rank from "Illusions perdues". A Marriage of Rank Advancement Louise de Bargeton becomes the wife of Sixte du Châtelet and returns as the prefect’s countess.

A Marriage of Rank Advancement Louise de Bargeton becomes the wife of Sixte du Châtelet and returns as the prefect’s countess. Power Her new position lets her influence public ceremonies and offers her leverage over Lucien and David.

Patronage Reopened Patronage Reopened from "Illusions perdues". Patronage Reopened Reunion Louise de Bargeton receives Lucien again and lets their old intimacy reappear within the rules of her new social position.

Patronage Reopened from "Illusions perdues". Patronage Reopened Reunion Louise de Bargeton receives Lucien again and lets their old intimacy reappear within the rules of her new social position.

Patronage Reopened Reunion Louise de Bargeton receives Lucien again and lets their old intimacy reappear within the rules of her new social position. Leverage Lucien believes she will secure help for David, while her concern remains tied to pride and control.

Early 1821

After the duel between Monsieur de Bargeton and Stanislas de Chandour

First days in Paris

After her return to Angoulême

During Lucien’s return to Angoulême