CHAPTER 30 – The Faubourg of St. Germain

In Chapter 30 entitled “The Faubourg of St. Germain” from “Worldly Ways and Byways,” the narrator describes the impenetrable social environment of the aristocrats in the Faubourg of St. Germain, Paris, likening their exclusivity to that of the Chinese aristocracy who refer to outsiders as “barbarians.” Despite efforts over decades, including those by Napoleon III and his Empress Eugenie, who sought to integrate into this closed society by reshaping Parisian geography and social landscapes, the old aristocracy has remained steadfastly insular. Eugenie’s attempts, motivated by a combination of ambition and veneration for Marie Antoinette, only solidified the aristocracy’s resolve to maintain their exclusivity.

The chapter also touches on various groups’ failed attempts to penetrate this exclusive society, including the wealthy Jewish newcomers who momentarily succeeded but eventually retreated due to the high cost and unwelcome realization that titles bought through marriage were burdensome. The English, known for their pragmatism, have generally abstained from these social sieges. Notably, American women are portrayed as particularly determined to infiltrate this circle, driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to belong to what appears to be an elusive, prestigious group. Despite numerous attempts and extravagant social maneuvers, they remain largely unsuccessful.

The narrative contrasts the openness of English society with the closed nature of the French aristocracy, underscoring differences in social mobility and acceptance. It delves into the reasons why French society remains so exclusive, such as historical, economic, and legal factors that preserve the old aristocracy’s status quo. The closing part of the chapter explains that while some Americans and other foreigners manage to mingle with the fringes of this society, truly integrating into the core of the Faubourg’s aristocracy is rare. Marriages between Americans and members of the French nobility usually result in the American spouse being absorbed into this closed society, losing touch with their roots and sometimes even their identity, as French law does not officially recognize noble titles.

Ultimately, the chapter reflects on the social dynamics and challenges of assimilation within Paris’s upper echelons, suggesting that despite the allure of the Faubourg’s exclusivity, it remains a bastion of tradition and resistance against external influences.