Summary
In the midst of 19th-century Paris, Marguerite Gautier, affectionately known as Camille, reigns as the undisputed queen of the underworld, her life a mesmerizing tapestry of opulence and excess. With a wealthy lover in Count de Varville, who lavishes her with extravagant gifts, yet fails to capture her heart, Camille's existence is a poignant paradox. Her chance encounter with Armand, a young and ambitious lawyer from the countryside, sets her world ablaze, as she finds herself irretrievably entwined in a passionate and all-consuming love affair. As their whirlwind romance unfolds, Camille is forced to confront the stark realities of her own mortality, her fragile health a constant reminder of the transience of life. Torn between her ardent love for Armand and the cruel dictates of societal expectations, Camille is compelled to make a heart-wrenching choice, one that will ultimately seal her fate and forever alter the lives of those around her.
Synopsis
Marguerite Gautier, known as "Camille" on account of her fondness for camellias, is queen of the underworld. She has a wealthy lover in Count de Varville, whom, though he supplies her with plenty of money, she does not love in return. Her affections are set upon Armand, a young lawyer from the country. She suffers from her excesses, and the doctor warns her that she must change her mode of living, but she laughs at his advice. Armand's love for her renews her interest in life, and she goes with him and lives quietly in the country. But their happiness is short. Camille has had to sell her jewelry and horses in order to pay her debts, and, learning of this, Armand becomes suspicious. Armand's father, hearing of his son's attachment for Camille, demands that the woman should abandon Armand. For the sake of Armand's young sister, Cecile, Camille agrees to sacrifice herself and returns to her former life with Count de Varville. But Armand's love for Camille will not be suppressed. They meet again. He begs Camille to go away with him. She refuses. Armand accuses her of loving de Varville. The two men meet and quarrel. There is a duel, and Armand wounds de Varville. Armand learns that Camille always loved him and that her aim was to please the father by preserving Armand's family's good name. In the end Camille dies with a smile on her lips and expressing her love for Armand.
