Summary
First published:Le collier de la reine, 1849-1850 (English translation, 1855)
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Historical romance
Time of work: Eighteenth century
Locale: France
Alexandre Dumas' historical novel, "The Queen's Necklace," immerses readers in the intrigues and scandals of the French court in the late 1700s. Against a backdrop of opulence and deception, the novel weaves a tale of ambition, romance, and betrayal. Central to the story is a plot involving stolen jewelry and false identities that threatens to dismantle the reputation of a queen and disrupt the royal lineage.
Key Characters
The novel features a diverse cast, beginning with Marie Antoinette, the much-maligned Queen of France, who becomes ensnared in a scandal that could tarnish her name. Jeanne de la Motte Valois is a noblewoman fallen on hard times, whose ambitions drive much of the plot. Her partner in schemes is Cardinal de Rohan, who seeks to regain royal favor. Philippe de Taverney, a refined courtier, and his sister Andree de Taverney add depth to the court's romantic entanglements. Count de Charny, a naval officer, becomes a center of courtly attention, while Count Oliva bears an uncanny resemblance to the queen, adding to the deception. Lastly, the enigmatic Cagliostro, an Italian mystic, manipulates events with his supposed magical prowess.
The Plot Unfolds
Jeanne de La Motte Valois, claiming descent from the Valois dynasty, seeks to climb the social ladder by regaining favor at the court of Louis XVI. Living in poverty, she is buoyed by a charitable visit from Queen Marie Antoinette, who offers financial help and promises support. Yet, the queen's benevolence is quickly overshadowed by courtly gossip and intrigue.
Marie Antoinette is constantly the target of whispers and rumors orchestrated by her adversaries. On the very night of her generous visit to Jeanne, malicious rumors reached King Louis, suggesting her involvement in mysterious nocturnal escapades. Despite this, her forthrightness and dignity silenced detractors when she declined an extravagant necklace from the king, believing France's needs greater than her own luxury.
Meanwhile, Philippe de Taverney, drawn by the queen's charm and grace, finds himself in the throes of unrequited love. His hopes are dashed at a court event when it becomes clear that Count de Charny has captured the queen's attention. Andree de Taverney, too, silently pines for de Charny, creating a web of jealousy and heartsore amidst the courtly facade.
Schemes and Alliances
Ambitions intertwine as Jeanne de La Motte and Cardinal de Rohan forge an alliance, each seeking a foothold in the royal circle. Their plans are furthered by Count Cagliostro, who seeks to undermine the nobility by fomenting scandal. His pawn is Oliva, a doppelgänger for the queen, whose appearances in public provoke deception and outrage.
Oliva's public antics at Monsieur Mesmer's salon and a grand masquerade ball spark rumors that besmirch the queen's image. Jeanne and the cardinal witness these events, fueling their machinations. Cardinal de Rohan misjudges the queen's disdain for him as unrequited love, further ensnaring him in the intrigue.
The Necklace Conspiracy
Jeanne's intuition tells her that the queen secretly desires the exquisite necklace from jewelers Boehmer and Bossange. She manipulates this situation, convincing de Rohan that gifting the necklace will win the queen's favor. De Rohan arranges the purchase, believing it a noble gesture, but Jeanne has more sinister plans. The queen, however, cannot accept such a grand gesture from a subject and insists on handling the payment herself.
King Louis' refusal to release funds coincides with Cagliostro's cunning move to claim an old debt from de Rohan, complicating matters further....
(This entire section contains 1011 words.)
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Jeanne seizes the opportunity to execute her plot, crafting counterfeit letters to keep the necklace for herself while misleading everyone involved.
Unraveling Deceptions
With the necklace in her possession, Jeanne orchestrates meetings between Oliva and de Rohan, who mistakenly believes he is wooing the queen. Observing from a distance, de Charny is misled by these encounters and confronts Marie Antoinette, who realizes she is being impersonated.
The situation comes to a head when jewelers demand payment from the queen, sparking revelations of forgery and conspiracy. The ensuing scandal shakes the foundations of the court. Believing himself the queen's secret lover, de Rohan is entangled in the web of deceit.
The Aftermath
The revelation of the plot leaves reputations in tatters. De Rohan, under the illusion of a clandestine affair, is sentenced to the Bastille. Jeanne, steadfast in her defiance, joins him, aware of the power she wields over the truth.
Despite evidence of her innocence, the queen remains under the shadow of suspicion. Discovered by the police, Oliva's role in the deception becomes clear, yet the damage is done. Public opinion turns harshly against Marie Antoinette, her virtue doubted and her image sullied.
In the wake of the trial, Cardinal de Rohan and Count Cagliostro are eventually released, while Jeanne de La Motte faces public disgrace. The queen's reputation, however, remains in question, as the court fails to grasp the upheaval looming on the horizon—the impending French Revolution.
Critical Reception
"The Queen’s Necklace," penned by Alexandre Dumas with contributions from Auguste Maquet, is a celebrated sequel to "Memoirs of a Physician." It stands as a riveting narrative that captivates readers with its vivid portrayal of courtly intrigue and the tragic incident of the diamond necklace. The novel's streamlined plot and Dumas' engaging storytelling have made it a favorite among English and American audiences.
In the novel's introduction, Dumas reflects on the 1848 Revolution, paralleling its themes with the impending storm of the French Revolution depicted in his work. Borrowing elements from historical texts, Dumas infuses the narrative with dramatic flair, crafting a compelling story of deception and moral complexity. The novel presents Marie Antoinette with empathy, caught in the schemes of those who seek to tarnish her honor.
First serialized in "La Presse," "The Queen’s Necklace" helped Dumas surmount previous controversies surrounding his reissued works. Amidst a suite of stories, this novel stands out as a testament to Dumas' enduring legacy, offering a poignant glimpse into a world poised on the brink of monumental change.
