In an environment of worldly manœuvring, her influence upon him is fatal. She is, in other words, both a Fallen and a Risen Woman, depending upon the nexus within which she is viewed. In the unpropitious environment of Angoulême, Mme de Bargeton is an absurd bluestocking; transplanted to Paris, she undergoes an immediate "metamorphosis", becoming a true denizen of high society – and rightfully, in Part III, the occupant of the préfecture at Angoulême. As to whether Lucien's writings have any value, the social laws are paramount, this is a fact which he does not realize until it is too late. (7) Illusions perdues is, according to Donald Adamson, "a revelation of the secret workings of the world, rather than a Bildungsroman illuminating the development of character". Sequel The success of this novel inspired Balzac to write a four-part sequel, Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes (published in parts from 1838 to 1847). Illusions perdues and Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes form part of La Comédie humaine, the series of novels and short stories written by Balzac depicting French society in the period of the Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy (1815–1848). Adaptations Illusions perdues had been adapted several times for film, television, and stage. In 1966, Illusions perdues aired as a 4-episode television adaptation, directed by Maurice Cazeneuve, starring Yves Rénier as Lucien. In April 2011, a ballet of the same name inspired by Balzac's novel was staged by the Bolshoi Ballet. It was choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky, and went on to open at the Palais Garnier in Paris in 2014. A French film adaptation, Lost Illusions, was screened at the 78th Venice Film Festival and scheduled for release on October 20 2021. It is directed by Xavier Giannoli and stars Benjamin Voisin as Lucien du Rubempré, with a supporting cast including Gérard Depardieu, Cécile de France, and Xavier Dolan. A stage adaptation by Pauline Bayle, performed at the Théâtre de la Bastille in Paris from September through October 2021. Bibliography Works of criticism Adamson, Donald (1981) "Illusions perdues", London: Grant & Cutler Baron, Anne-Marie (1996) "Artifices de mise en scène et art de l’illusion chez Balzac", in: L’Année balzacienne, 1996, pp. 23–35 Bérard, Suzanne-Jean (1961) La Genèse d’un roman de Balzac: "Illusions perdues", 2 vols, Paris: Colin Borderie, Régine (2005) "Esthétique du bizarre: Illusions perdues", in: L’Année balzacienne, 2005, pp. 175–98 Lukács, György (1967) "Illusions perdues", in Balzac et le