The Fate of the Concierge's Wife

Follows the story of the concierge's wife after her husband's death, illustrating the fleeting nature of grief and the human need for drama.

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The Grand Funeral

The spectacle of mourning A luxury coffin The concierge's wife spared no expense: a crucifix, heavy oak, silver handles. She lay ill in the room with the coffin. The whole building came to pay respects, taking their mail themselves. The funeral was a show. The grieving widow Clamence was the only one to go to the cemetery. He strewed flowers and then visited the widow to receive her thanks. She expressed her gratitude like a great tragedienne. She was playing the role of the widow.

The New Lover

The quick replacement An overdressed yokel The concierge's wife shacked up with a baritone who sang "Women, how pretty you are!" He beat her, and screams were heard. Then he would open the window and sing. The neighbors said "All the same!" The cycle of love Clamence questions whether they were in love. She resumed praising her departed husband after the yokel fled. Her fate is to be a symbol of the fickleness of human emotions. She is neither faithful nor unfaithful; she just lives.

After the concierge's death

A month after the funeral