Alexandre Dumas The Queen's Necklace
Alexandre Dumas was a French author who wrote many famous novels such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. One of his lesser-known works, The Queen's Necklace, tells the story of a scandal that rocked the court of King Louis XVI.
The Story
The Queen's Necklace is based on a true story about a scandal that occurred in France in the late 18th century. The story revolves around a diamond necklace that was commissioned by Louis XV for his mistress, Madame du Barry. However, before the necklace could be delivered, Louis XV died, and the necklace was left unpaid for.
Years later, the jewelers who had made the necklace approached Marie Antoinette, the wife of Louis XVI, with an offer to sell her the necklace. However, Marie Antoinette, who was notoriously extravagant, declined the offer due to its high price. The jewelers then approached a con artist named Jeanne de Saint-Rémy de Valois, who claimed to be a member of the royal family and convinced them to sell her the necklace on credit.
Jeanne then tried to sell the necklace to various jewelers and brokers, but none of them were willing to buy it due to its high price and the risk of dealing with a con artist. Desperate for money, Jeanne enlisted the help of her lover, Cardinal de Rohan, who was a close friend of Marie Antoinette. Jeanne convinced Rohan that Marie Antoinette had agreed to buy the necklace and that he was to act as her intermediary.
The Scandal
Rohan, believing the story, arranged to meet with a woman he thought was Marie Antoinette in the gardens of Versailles to complete the transaction. However, the woman he met was actually a prostitute hired by Jeanne. Rohan handed over the necklace and was later arrested when the jewelers discovered that the queen had not actually purchased it.
The scandal caused a sensation in France and led to a trial in which Jeanne and her accomplices were convicted of fraud and sentenced to prison. Rohan was acquitted due to his close connections to the royal family, but he was exiled from the court and spent the rest of his life in disgrace.
The Legacy
The Queen's Necklace is a fascinating story that sheds light on the excesses and scandals of the French monarchy in the years leading up to the Revolution. It also highlights the dangers of greed and deception, and the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life.
The scandal surrounding the necklace has been the subject of many books, plays, and films over the years, and it continues to capture the imagination of people around the world. Alexandre Dumas' novel is a thrilling retelling of this famous story, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves history, intrigue, and drama.
Conclusion
Alexandre Dumas' The Queen's Necklace is a fascinating novel that tells the story of a scandal that rocked the court of King Louis XVI. The novel is based on a true story and sheds light on the excesses and scandals of the French monarchy in the years leading up to the Revolution. It is a must-read for anyone who loves history, intrigue, and drama.
