The Confessions of Arsène Lupin · Chapter
Shadowed by Death explained
Lupin, posing as Paul Daubreuil, investigates attempts on Jeanne Darcieux's life.
What happens
Lupin, posing as Paul Daubreuil, investigates attempts on Jeanne Darcieux's life. He discovers that her stepfather, M. Darcieux, is the culprit, motivated by financial ruin if Jeanne comes of age and marries. Lupin exposes the truth during a nighttime confrontation, revealing that Jeanne is not Darcieux's biological daughter.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Climax.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter marks the dramatic climax because it presents the psychological peak of Lupin’s tension and vulne…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Identity
M. Darcieux deceives everyone about his relationship to Jeanne and his murderous intentions.
- Family and Betrayal
A stepfather attempts to kill his stepdaughter for financial gain.
Characters to notice
- Arsène Lupin
Investigates the attempts on Jeanne's life, posing as Paul Daubreuil.
- Jeanne Darcieux
Target of the murder attempts; discovered to be the stepdaughter of M. Darcieux.
- Farmer Goussot
Mentioned as a local figure; not directly involved in this chapter.
Key passages
“She is not M. Darcieux's daughter!”
Jeanne is not the biological daughter of M. Darcieux.
Lupin reveals the truth about Jeanne's parentage.
“I spent my day in the town-halls of the Paris municipalities. I searched the registers, I interviewed two solicitors, I have seen all the documents.”
Lupin conducted research in Paris, examining records and consulting lawyers.
Lupin explains his investigative process.
