19Th Century Tales And Short Stories: Claude Gueux

Claude Gueux, a jobless labor worker, led a miserable life with his wife and daughter. Wanting to give them a nice Christmas, he stole a wallet. This fatal act earned him five years in prison.

In detention, Claude gained respect from those around him. The befriended Antonie, to whom he became a protector. After the head guard separated them, he sinks into despair.