The Confessions of Arsène Lupin · Theme
Deception and Identity
How The Confessions of Arsène Lupin develops Deception and Identity.
Arsène Lupin constantly adopts disguises and false identities (e.g., as an old half-pay officer, a Russian nobleman, or Horace Velmont), blurring the line between appearance and reality, and using deception as a tool for both crime and justice.
Where it surfaces
- I: Two Hundred Thousand Francs Reward!…
Lupin disguises his intentions and uses a coded signal, while Baron Repstein is accused of assuming a false identity to commit crimes.
- II: The Wedding-Ring
Lupin impersonates the working jeweller to swap the ring, and Yvonne's secret love for 'Horace Velmont' is revealed.
- The Sign of the Shadow
Lupin disguises himself as Captain Jeanniot to investigate, and the story involves false claims and trickery among the heirs.
- The Infernal Trap
Lupin is trapped through a web of lies and disguises; Mme. Dugrival uses multiple aliases and a fabricated story to ensnare him.
- V: The Red Silk Scarf
Lupin's disguise as a house-painter and his manipulation of Ganimard underscore the theme of deception and hidden identities.
- Shadowed by Death
M. Darcieux deceives everyone about his relationship to Jeanne and his murderous intentions.
- A Tragedy in the Forest of Morgues
The identity of the murderer is hidden until Lupin reveals it to be an ape-man, challenging assumptions about human and animal nature.
- Lupin's Marriage
Lupin uses an impostor to pose as d'Emboise, exploiting likeness and disguise to infiltrate the duke's household.
- The Invisible Prisoner
Lupin disguises himself as a helpful stranger to gain access to the farm and steal the money.
- Edith Swan-Neck
The resemblance between Mme. Sparmiento and the tapestry's Edith Swan-Neck blurs reality and art, hinting at hidden identities and deception.