# Power and Corruption in The Crystal Stopper

> Theme guide for The Crystal Stopper by Maurice Leblanc.

The political scandal of the 'Twenty-Seven' list reveals how power, bribery, and blackmail corrupt public officials, with Daubrecq using the list to control and destroy his enemies.

## Where it surfaces

- [V: The Twenty-Seven](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters/v-the-twenty-seven): Daubrecq's use of the stolen list to blackmail politicians, including Victorien Mergy, and his corrupt hold over the political system.
- [VII: The Profile of Napoleon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters/vii-the-profile-of-napoleon): The list of the Twenty-Seven and the kidnapping show how political power and blackmail intertwine.
- [VIII: The Lovers’ Tower](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/chapters/viii-the-lovers-tower): D'Albufex uses his power to torture Daubrecq for personal gain, highlighting the corrupt use of authority.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/themes/power_and_corruption
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_crystal_stopper_se/themes