# The Court of Assize explained — Fantômas

> Chapter companion for Fantômas by Pierre Souvestre.

## What happens

The trial of Gurn for the murder of Lord Beltham takes place in a packed courtroom. Lady Beltham gives dramatic testimony, expressing forgiveness for the prisoner, while the concierge Mme. Doulenques fails to definitively identify her as Gurn's mysterious visitor. The chapter ends with the court calling Inspector Juve as the next witness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Justice

The entire chapter revolves around the trial of Gurn for murder, examining courtroom procedure, witness testimony, and the pursuit of justice.

### Theatricality and Performance

Lady Beltham's testimony is described as a performance, with the actor Valgrand in the audience analyzing Gurn as a type, and a woman critic calling Lady Beltham a 'barnstormer'.

### Gender and Power

Lady Beltham's manipulation of the court through her appearance, voice, and emotional appeal highlights gender dynamics in the courtroom.

## Character check-ins

### M. Gurn

The prisoner on trial for murder, sits impassive in the dock, shows visible emotion during Lady Beltham's testimony.

### Lady Beltham

Key witness, widow of the victim, gives emotional testimony and publicly forgives Gurn.

### Inspector Juve

Called as the next witness at the end of the chapter.

### Maître Barberoux

Gurn's eminent counsel, assisted by a galaxy of juniors including Roger de Seras.

### Roger de Seras

Junior barrister assisting Maître Barberoux in Gurn's defense.

### Valgrand

The actor present in the audience, enthusiastically commenting on Gurn as 'The Assassin' type.

### Mme. Doulenques

Concierge called as witness, unable to definitively identify Lady Beltham as Gurn's lady visitor.

## Key lines

> Call Lady Beltham!

The court usher summons Lady Beltham to testify.

_Opening line of the chapter, setting the scene for her dramatic testimony._

> I ought to forgive him, bow beneath the burden that is laid upon my soul: and I do forgive him!

Lady Beltham declares she forgives Gurn for murdering her husband.

_Key moment of testimony, showing her public stance of Christian forgiveness._

> That man is not an assassin: he is The Assassin—the Type!

Valgrand the actor proclaims Gurn embodies the archetype of a murderer.

_Reflects the theatrical and symbolic interpretation of Gurn by the audience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fant_mas_se/chapters/xxviii-the-court-of-assize
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fant_mas_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/fant_mas_se/chapters