logo

49 pages 1 hour read

Charles Belfoure

The Paris Architect

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

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.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 49 pages of this Study Guide
Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools