What Happens at the End of Sophie's Misfortune?

Sophie de Réan, an unruly mischievous little girl grows up under the thumb of Mademoiselle, her strict governess. Following her mother's death, she is entrusted to Mme de Fleurville, her aunt, who at the same time hires Mademoiselle to further Sophie's education. A few years later, the little girl has blossomed into a lovely young lady. She is now in love with Paul, her cousin, who, unlike her, used to be a model child. Unfortunately Mademoiselle will not hear of a union between them. Instead she wants Sophie to marry Armand, the conceited son of Prefect Hugon. To make matters worse, Paul, the good boy, unexpectedly turns into a revolutionary, who defends the Republic on the barricades against Louis Napoléon's coup. Not being one of the victors, Paul is forced into exile. Will Sophie finally yield and accept the established order or will she react in her usual rebellious way and follow the one she loves ?

Jacqueline Audry's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Madeleine Rousset (Sophie de Réan jeune fille)'s journey. Following her mother's death, she is entrusted to Mme de Fleurville, her aunt, who at the same time hires Mademoiselle to further Sophie's education.

How Does Madeleine Rousset (Sophie de Réan jeune fille)'s Story End?

• Madeleine Rousset: Madeleine Rousset's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Marguerite Moreno (Mademoiselle): Marguerite Moreno's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Michel Auclair (Paul d'Auber): Michel Auclair's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Sophie's Misfortune Mean?

Sophie's Misfortune's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Madeleine Rousset may feel rushed. Jacqueline Audry's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.