813 · Chapter
Arsène Lupin’s Three Murders explained
Lupin realizes that Dolores Kesselbach is the true murderer, a madwoman driven by homicidal impulses who killed her husband, the floor-waiter, Chapman, Gourel, Altenheim, Steinweg, and Isilda.
What happens
Lupin realizes that Dolores Kesselbach is the true murderer, a madwoman driven by homicidal impulses who killed her husband, the floor-waiter, Chapman, Gourel, Altenheim, Steinweg, and Isilda. He accidentally strangles her during a confrontation. Overcome with horror and guilt, he resolves to save Louis de Malreich, the innocent man framed by Dolores, and rushes to the Ministry of the Interior to prevent his execution.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Duality
Dolores is portrayed as a lucid madwoman, driven by homicidal instincts yet capable of cunning and logic, embodying a monstrous duality.
Deception and Truth
Lupin uncovers the truth behind Dolores's elaborate deceptions, including her disguises and framing of Louis de Malreich.
Revenge and Retribution
Lupin accidentally kills Dolores, seeing it as an act of justice, but is haunted by guilt and seeks to save the innocent man she framed.
Characters to notice
- Arsène Lupin
Discovers Dolores is the murderer; accidentally kills her; vows to save Louis de Malreich.
- Dolores Kesselbach
Revealed as the homicidal madwoman responsible for multiple murders; killed by Lupin in a struggle.
- Louis de Malreich
Innocent man framed by Dolores; sentenced to death; Lupin races to save him.
- Rudolf Kesselbach
Murdered by Dolores at the Palace Hotel.
- Chapman
Murdered by Dolores at the Palace Hotel.
- Sergeant Gourel
Murdered by Dolores (drowned).
- Baron Altenheim
Murdered by Dolores (stabbed).
- Steinweg
Murdered by Dolores.
- Isilda de Malreich
Murdered by Dolores.
- Octave
Lupin's chauffeur; injured in a car crash during the chase.
Key passages
“Oh, Dolores! … Dolores! …” He at once saw the excuse: it was madness. She was mad.”
Lupin realizes that Dolores is insane, not responsible for her murders.
Lupin's moment of understanding Dolores's madness.
“She killed because she wanted something, she killed in self-defence, she killed because she had killed before.”
Dolores's murders were driven by desire, self-preservation, and a compulsive need to kill.
Lupin's analysis of Dolores's homicidal nature.
“I have taken life! … These hands have killed a living being; and that creature is Dolores!”
Lupin is horrified that he has killed Dolores with his own hands.
Lupin's guilt and shock after accidentally strangling Dolores.
“Ah,” cried Lupin, beside himself with excitement, “that man shall not die! I swear it as I live: he shall not die!””
Lupin vows to save Louis de Malreich from execution.
Lupin's determination to prevent an innocent man's death.
