813 · Chapter
X: Lupin's Great Scheme explained
Lupin orchestrates a complex scheme from his prison cell, using coded correspondence with the Doudevilles to manage a press campaign about secret Bismarck letters.
What happens
Lupin orchestrates a complex scheme from his prison cell, using coded correspondence with the Doudevilles to manage a press campaign about secret Bismarck letters. He endures a tense psychological wait for a critical event, which culminates in a mysterious nocturnal visit from a foreign dignitary who insists on a private audience.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Truth
Lupin orchestrates a press campaign based on the existence of secret letters, blurring the line between fact and fabrication to manipulate public opinion and his enemies.
Power and Ambition
Lupin's grand scheme from prison demonstrates his relentless ambition to control events and outmaneuver authorities, aiming for a psychological victory.
Madness and Duality
Lupin experiences intense psychological turmoil, oscillating between feverish hope and despair, highlighting the duality of his composed exterior and inner chaos.
Characters to notice
- Arsène Lupin
Imprisoned in cell 14 of the Santé, Lupin executes a scheme involving coded letters and a press campaign, awaiting a pivotal event with mounting anxiety.
- M. Formerie
The examining magistrate visits Lupin at the Santé, agreeing to drop the assault charge in exchange for Lupin's silence.
- Jean Doudeville
One of the Doudeville brothers, he helps maintain Lupin's coded correspondence from outside the prison.
- Jacques Doudeville
The other Doudeville brother, assisting in the communication scheme with Lupin.
- Geneviève Ernemont
Reported to be in good health, she frequently visits Mrs. Kesselbach at the Hôtel Bristol and meets Pierre Leduc there.
- Dolores Kesselbach
Mentioned as ill and staying at the Hôtel Bristol, where Geneviève visits her.
- Pierre Leduc
Meets Geneviève Ernemont at the Hôtel Bristol, according to the coded message.
- Herlock Sholmes
Lupin fears Sholmes may discover the hiding place of the letters, undermining his scheme.
Key passages
“The 17th of August!… The 18th of August!… The 19th!… Two more days.… Two centuries rather! Oh, the interminable minutes!…”
Lupin feels each day passing like an eternity as he waits for his scheme to culminate.
Highlights Lupin's agonizing anticipation and the psychological weight of the countdown.
“He beat his skull with his fists; and delirious words rose to his lips.… The key grated in the lock.”
In a frenzy of desperation, Lupin pounds his head, only to be interrupted by the sound of the cell door opening.
Captures the climax of Lupin's mental strain and the dramatic arrival of the visitors.