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The Teeth of the Tiger · Theme

Identity and Disguise

How The Teeth of the Tiger develops Identity and Disguise.

The book revolves around characters adopting false identities, such as Don Luis Perenna being revealed as Arsène Lupin, and the villain's ability to appear as different people, highlighting the theme of deception and the fluidity of identity.

Where it surfaces

  • I: d’Artagnan, Porthos… and Monte Cristo

    Don Luis's identity is meticulously verified, yet his past nickname 'Arsène Lupin' and his mysterious captivity hint at hidden layers and a dual persona.

  • A Man Dead

    Perenna reveals his true identity as Arsène Lupin, yet maintains the disguise of being 'dead' to evade the law.

  • IV: The Clouded Turquoise

    Perenna's hidden identity as Arsène Lupin and the question of who is truly responsible for the crime underscore themes of deception and mistaken identity.

  • V: The Iron Curtain

    The public and press debate whether Don Luis Perenna is actually Arsène Lupin, highlighting themes of hidden identity and disguise.

  • The Man with the Ebony Walking-Stick

    Perenna's dual identity as Don Luis and Arsène Lupin is hinted at; the Prefect's compact suggests he may suspect the truth but chooses to work with Perenna.

  • Shakespeare’s Works, Volume VIII

    Florence's true identity and role are questioned; Perenna suspects she is not who she appears to be.

  • VIII: The Devil's Post-Office

    Don Luis Perenna is confused with Arsène Lupin, and the mysterious delivery of letters suggests hidden identities and secret methods.

  • X: Gaston Sauverand Explains

    Sauverand's narrative blurs the line between truth and lies, challenging Perenna's perception of who is innocent and who is guilty.

  • XI: Routed

    Perenna's dual identity as Arsène Lupin is hinted at, and he uses deception (the fake phone call) to mislead Weber.

  • XV: The Heir to the Hundred Millions

    Mazeroux disguises himself as a cabdriver, and Perenna's dual identity as Arsène Lupin is central to the suspicion against him.

  • XVI: Weber Takes His Revenge

    Don Luis is officially identified and arrested as Arsène Lupin.

  • Arsène I Emperor of Mauretania

    Don Luis reveals his true identity as Arsène Lupin and his assumed title of Emperor of Mauretania, blurring the lines between his multiple personas.

  • Lupin's Lupins

    Don Luis Perenna lives under a false identity, yet openly defends Arsène Lupin, blurring the line between his past and present selves.