Manon Lescaut

About “Manon Lescaut”

Set in France and Louisiana in the early 18th century, the story follows the Chevalier des Grieux and his lover, Manon Lescaut. Des Grieux comes from a noble family but leaves with Manon, losing his inheritance and disappointing his father. In Paris, they live together, but Des Grieux struggles to meet Manon's desire for luxury, often borrowing money from his friend Tiberge or cheating gamblers. His wealth frequently disappears, leading Manon to leave him for a wealthier man. Manon is later deported to New Orleans, where she and Des Grieux live together under the pretense of marriage. When Des Grieux reveals they are not married to the governor, the governor's nephew becomes interested in Manon. Des Grieux challenges the nephew to a duel and injures him. Fearing punishment, the couple flees into the Louisiana wilderness. Manon dies of exposure the next day, and Des Grieux buries her before being taken back to France by Tiberge.