49 pages • 1 hour read
Charles BelfoureThe Paris Architect
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides that feature detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, quotes, and essay topics.
Symbols & Motifs
Yellow Star
The yellow star is a symbol used by Nazi Germany in World War II to identify people of Jewish descent. The symbol represents not only Judaism but also the forced identification imposed by the fascist regime.
Serrault’s Handkerchief
After the fireplace hiding spot fails, resulting in the deaths of the Serraults, Lucien carries Monsieur Serrault’s handkerchief with him. The object is a constant reminder of his failure and his responsibility to prevent similar occurrences in future hiding spots. He rubs it when wallowing in his guilt.
Found Family
Lucien’s biological family is not in his life, as he had a complicated, tumultuous relationship with his father. When he married Celeste, he hoped to create a new family and become a better father than he ever had. However, it is not until Celeste leaves him that he discovers the family he always craved: a son in Pierre, a partner in Bette, and, through her, two more children—Emile and Carole.
Featured Collections