The Marquise and the Plot

Justine

This flow traces the uneasy bond between Justine and the Marquise de Bressac as a murder scheme transforms gratitude into betrayal and punishment.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Chance Encounter A Chance Encounter from "Justine". A Chance Encounter Rescue becomes danger Saint-Florent promises to place Justine in a respectable household, and she trusts his apparent gratitude.

A Chance Encounter from "Justine". A Chance Encounter Rescue becomes danger Saint-Florent promises to place Justine in a respectable household, and she trusts his apparent gratitude.

A Chance Encounter Rescue becomes danger Saint-Florent promises to place Justine in a respectable household, and she trusts his apparent gratitude. In the forest he attacks and robs her instead. A new shelter Justine reaches the estate of the Marquise de Bressac, whose kindness offers the first credible prospect of protection she has encountered. That welcome establishes a relationship founded on gratitude and trust.

Protection in Service Protection in Service from "Justine". Protection in Service A position offered The Marquise listens to Justine’s history and promises to investigate the theft accusation.

Protection in Service from "Justine". Protection in Service A position offered The Marquise listens to Justine’s history and promises to investigate the theft accusation.

Protection in Service A position offered The Marquise listens to Justine’s history and promises to investigate the theft accusation. She gives her a place in the household and treats her with consideration. Gratitude and loyalty Justine becomes deeply attached to the woman who has defended her when others dismissed her. This trust later makes the Marquise’s danger personal rather than merely another episode in Justine’s misfortunes.

The Nephew’s Dependence The Nephew’s Dependence from "Justine". The Nephew’s Dependence An heir’s resentment The Comte de Bressac depends on his aunt’s money while resenting her efforts to correct his conduct.

The Nephew’s Dependence from "Justine". The Nephew’s Dependence An heir’s resentment The Comte de Bressac depends on his aunt’s money while resenting her efforts to correct his conduct.

The Nephew’s Dependence An heir’s resentment The Comte de Bressac depends on his aunt’s money while resenting her efforts to correct his conduct. Her authority and wealth become obstacles to his freedom and anticipated inheritance. Justine drawn close He tells Justine that he expects a different kind of service from her and exploits her feelings for him. Her emotional attachment gives him a means to test and manipulate her loyalty.

The Poisoning Plot The Poisoning Plot from "Justine". The Poisoning Plot A demand for complicity The Comte gives Justine poison and asks her to kill the Marquise.

The Poisoning Plot from "Justine". The Poisoning Plot A demand for complicity The Comte gives Justine poison and asks her to kill the Marquise.

The Poisoning Plot A demand for complicity The Comte gives Justine poison and asks her to kill the Marquise. He treats the crime as a practical transaction and offers her an annuity for her cooperation. Justine’s divided position Justine appears to agree only to prevent the Comte from suspecting her and acting alone. She warns the Marquise, and the two test the poison before seeking help from a relative.

The Scheme’s Consequences The Scheme’s Consequences from "Justine". The Scheme’s Consequences Exposure and reprisal The Comte intercepts the message intended to summon help.

The Scheme’s Consequences from "Justine". The Scheme’s Consequences Exposure and reprisal The Comte intercepts the message intended to summon help.

The Scheme’s Consequences Exposure and reprisal The Comte intercepts the message intended to summon help. He accuses Justine of betrayal and has her attacked by his mastiffs. Death and false blame The Marquise dies soon afterward, and the Comte tells the household that Justine poisoned her. Justine’s effort to prevent murder produces no public vindication; instead, it gives her enemy an opportunity to frame her.

After Justine escapes with Saint-Florent

The first days at the Marquise’s château

During Justine’s first years in the household

After Bressac receives news of an unexpected inheritance

The days after the courier is intercepted