Le Gris’s Ascent and Fall

The Last Duel

Le Gris advances through wealth, education, and patronage, then faces an accusation he refuses to evade through clerical privilege and dies in combat.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Rising Family A Rising Family from "The Last Duel". A Rising Family New noble wealth The Le Gris family rises from relatively modest origins, acquiring land and status.

A Rising Family from "The Last Duel". A Rising Family New noble wealth The Le Gris family rises from relatively modest origins, acquiring land and status.

A Rising Family New noble wealth The Le Gris family rises from relatively modest origins, acquiring land and status. Jacques benefits from a changing social position rather than an ancient family lineage. An unusual courtier He combines military authority with clerical education, allowing him to read and serve at mass without becoming celibate. His circumstances make him well suited to court advancement.

The Count’s Favorite The Count’s Favorite from "The Last Duel". The Count’s Favorite Land and trust Count Pierre rewards Le Gris with Aunou-le-Faucon and takes him into important court business.

The Count’s Favorite from "The Last Duel". The Count’s Favorite Land and trust Count Pierre rewards Le Gris with Aunou-le-Faucon and takes him into important court business.

The Count’s Favorite Land and trust Count Pierre rewards Le Gris with Aunou-le-Faucon and takes him into important court business. Le Gris’s wealth and access grow rapidly. A widening contrast Jean sees his old friend prosper while he himself loses influence. Le Gris’s ascent becomes inseparable from the deterioration of their friendship.

The Appeal Summons The Appeal Summons from "The Last Duel". The Appeal Summons A choice to appear Le Gris is summoned to answer Jean’s appeal.

The Appeal Summons A choice to appear Le Gris is summoned to answer Jean’s appeal. His lawyer urges him to claim benefit of clergy and move the case to a church court. Pride over protection Le Gris refuses, unwilling to seem afraid of combat. The decision leaves him under the Parlement’s jurisdiction and closes a possible route away from the duel.

The Written Defense The Written Defense from "The Last Duel". The Written Defense An alibi and a counterattack Le Gris describes time spent with friends and at Count Pierre’s residence, arguing that distance and winter…

The Written Defense from "The Last Duel". The Written Defense An alibi and a counterattack Le Gris describes time spent with friends and at Count Pierre’s residence, arguing that distance and winter…

The Written Defense An alibi and a counterattack Le Gris describes time spent with friends and at Count Pierre’s residence, arguing that distance and winter roads made the assault impossible. He also attacks Jean’s character and motives. Private uncertainty His lawyer records reasons for and against his client. The diary ultimately acknowledges the limits of what anyone could know, leaving the defense formidable but inconclusive.

The Last Denial The Last Denial from "The Last Duel". The Last Denial Combat and defeat Le Gris fights Jean in the enclosed field and appears strong, but loses his horse and falls during the struggle.

The Last Denial from "The Last Duel". The Last Denial Combat and defeat Le Gris fights Jean in the enclosed field and appears strong, but loses his horse and falls during the struggle.

The Last Denial Combat and defeat Le Gris fights Jean in the enclosed field and appears strong, but loses his horse and falls during the struggle. Jean demands that he confess. Death and disgrace Le Gris denies the accusation and is killed. His body is taken to the gallows, while his descendants later arrange masses and contest the dishonor attached to his name.

Mid-fourteenth century

1378–1381

Spring 1386

Summer 1386

29 December 1386