Part 6/8:
In a scene that highlights the immense pressures faced by culinary professionals, Vatel, overwhelmed by his perceived failure, took his own life. His suicide was not simply a personal tragedy; it also left an indelible mark on the societal view of reputation and honor in the age of Louis XIV. Many praised his sense of duty while others criticized his extreme response to what could be deemed a manageable setback.
As news of his death spread, even King Louis XIV expressed remorse, recognizing the immense stress the occasion had put on Vatel, which had unfolded under the glow of a dazzling banquet awash with grandeur.