Decadence and Corruption

Where it surfaces

• I

  The Lethal Chamber, a government-sanctioned suicide facility, reflects societal decay and the normalization of death.

• II

  Mr. Wilde's business of repairing reputations through blackmail and a network of spies reflects societal decay and moral corruption.

• The Green Room

  The vanity of the Clown and the presence of Death evoke a sense of decay and moral corruption.

• The Street of the First Shell

  The contrast between the flower market's beauty and the shell's violence highlights the corruption of peace by war.

• I

  The contrast between the wealthy banker's fires and banquet and the starving artists highlights societal decay and moral corruption during the siege.

• II

  Fallowby's indulgence in luxuries during a famine, and Hartman's suspected espionage and moral decay.

• IV

  The pillaging, the execution of Hartman, and the general breakdown of order in Paris reflect the decadence and corruption of society under siege.

• IV

  The studio's mockery of Hastings' innocence and Valentine's fear of being judged by him highlight the contrast between the Quarter's decadent lifestyle and Hastings' Puritanical ideals.

• VI

  Clifford's drunken state and the aftermath of his night out highlight the decadent lifestyle of the artists.

• III

  Selby's extravagant floral purchase and the ensuing mockery reflect the decadent, performative social rituals of the Latin Quarter.