Affair of the Diamond Necklace
The primary action of the story revolves around Oscar's growing realization of how France is governed, and of the plight of the country's poor. When Antoinette begins an affair with the Swedish count Axel von Fersen, their relationship becomes the subject of gossip and scandal throughout France, and Antoinette's reputation is damaged. After von Fersen leaves Europe to fight in the American Revolutionary War, a distraught Antoinette begins spending lavishly on jewellery and clothing to distract herself from his absence. Her spending mires France in debt, while the Affair of the Diamond Necklace and the machinations of the scheming Duchess of Polignac further aggravate public sentiment toward the monarchy.