# Power and Ambition in 813

> Theme guide for 813 by Maurice Leblanc.

Lupin's grand scheme to manipulate European politics, install a puppet grand-duke, and effectively rule a territory reflects a theme of unchecked ambition, where personal power is pursued through geopolitical manipulation and criminal genius.

## Where it surfaces

- [813](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/813): Lupin's ambition to control the investigation and the letters, as well as Kesselbach's political schemes, highlight the theme of power.
- [I: The Tragedy at the Palace Hotel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/i-the-tragedy-at-the-palace-hotel): Kesselbach's grand plans for power and Lupin's relentless pursuit of the secret reflect the theme of ambition.
- [III: M. Lenormand Opens His Campaign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/iii-m-lenormand-opens-his-campaign): Kesselbach's grand scheme and the struggle over his documents drive the plot, with Lupin and the murderer both seeking the same prize.
- [Prince Sernine at Work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/iv-prince-sernine-at-work): Sernine asserts his mastery over others, claiming boundless will and power, and recruits Gérard as a pawn in his grand scheme.
- [V: M. Lenormand at Work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/v-m-lenormand-at-work): Lenormand's strategic maneuvering to retain control of the investigation and his ambition to outwit Lupin and solve the Kesselbach case drive the chapter.
- [VII: Parbury-Ribeira-Altenheim](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/vii-parbury-ribeira-altenheim): Lupin refuses partnership, asserting his dominance and desire to control the Kesselbach case alone, while Altenheim's proposal reveals his own ambition to secure the prize.
- [Santé Palace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/ix-sant-palace): Even from prison, Lupin plots to control the Kesselbach case, outmaneuver his mysterious enemy 'L. M.', and secure fortune for Geneviève, demonstrating his relentless ambition.
- [X: Lupin's Great Scheme](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/x-lupin-s-great-scheme): Lupin's grand scheme from prison demonstrates his relentless ambition to control events and outmaneuver authorities, aiming for a psychological victory.
- [XI: Charlemagne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/xi-charlemagne): Lupin revels in his power over the Emperor, negotiating from a prison cell and dictating terms to the most powerful man in Europe.
- [The Emperor's Letters](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/xii-the-emperor-s-letters): The Emperor's authority and Lupin's ambition to recover the letters and secure his freedom drive the chapter.
- [XV: The Map of Europe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/chapters/xv-the-map-of-europe): Lupin reveals his grand scheme to use Pierre Leduc as a puppet grand-duke to alter the map of Europe, demonstrating his boundless ambition and desire for control.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/themes/power_and_ambition
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/813_se/themes