In the article "Madame de Pompadour and the Theaters of Power", author Thomas E. Kaiser examines how Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson became Madame de Pompadour, a very influential lover of the king of France. His rise has been seen in both positive and negative terms, with his acquisition of power questioned both within the royal family and the public1. The life of a lover has never been easy, but Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson was up to the arduous task and succeeded where most had failed. Thomas E. Kaiser goes on to explain how Madame de Pompadour was seen at court and in society, how she influenced the king, King Louis XV, and how she managed to succeed on her own, advancing further than anyone thought possible for a woman. during that period. The role of the Royal Mistress or maitresse entitre often extended beyond that of the simple bedroom, and had influence, but remaining in this position was no mean feat2. The lover's popularity with the king is the main force that allows her to maintain her position, this can be inherently difficult for the best of women. Royal mistresses were subject to immediate dismissal if they felt at odds with the king, as was the case with the two previous mistresses who resided before Joanna Antoinette3. In addition to the responsibility of entertaining the king, the royal favorite also had to deal with the royal family, the court and the public. There was often the danger posed by being the king's favourite, opposition could spell trouble for the Mistress, and Madame de Pompadour experienced her fair share of opposition and resentment. According to Thomas Kaiser one of the main oppositions that Pompadour encountered was that of the queen's party, or parties...... middle of paper ......preserve and not weaken the monarchy 21. But Madame de Pompadour provided a service to the King. Like her predecessors, at court Pompadour was an asset to the monarchy, criticism of royal policy was aimed at her rather than the king 22. But as Kaiser points out, it is difficult to see how a woman of humble origins and great ambition , was capable of gaining control of the monarchy 23. Madame de Pompadour played an important role in the history of France and how its society was influenced. She was a patron of the arts and used them in an attempt to bring glory to her and Louis XV, and even though her artistic endeavors were used against her, Madame de Pompadour left her indelible mark on French politics and society. Thomas E. "French Historical Studies." "Madame de Pompadour and the theaters of power", vol. 19, no.4 (1996): 1025-044.