Reward: 1000 Francs

LOCAL AUTHOR

Reward:1000 Francs by Victor Hugo is a comedic melodrama in which the good guys prevail and the bad guy loses. The play begins in the home of Cyprienne, with her mother, Etiennette, and Etiennette’s father, who is bed-ridden. Since becoming ill, their savings has depleted, leaving them in a newfound state of poverty. Their belongings are in the process of being seized because of a debt demanded by Rousseline. Being a shrewd businessman who knows a secret the grandfather and Etiennette have been keeping for many years, he blackmails the family into giving him Cyprienne in marriage. Cyprienne is in love with Edgar Marc, a young banker who reciprocates her love. While all of this is going on, a “thief” as branded by the police, Glapieu, is hiding on the rooftop and overhears everything. Glapieu does not wish to be a criminal but feels that he is already branded as such and wants to help.

The genre of comedic melodrama holds true, except for the ending when Rousseline is discovered but is given no repercussions. And even though Glapieu’s actions would prove admirable, he is the one who receives the punishment and speaks some epic last words: “We’re not finished!”