Albert Savarus · Chapter
Albert Savarus explained
This chapter details Albert Savarus's political maneuvering in Besançon as he campaigns for election to the Chamber of Deputies.
What happens
This chapter details Albert Savarus's political maneuvering in Besançon as he campaigns for election to the Chamber of Deputies. It contrasts his ambitious, calculated rise with the provincial society's gossip and intrigue. Rosalie de Watteville's obsessive interest in Savarus grows, while Amédée de Soulas schemes to win her hand. The chapter culminates in a tense electoral show of hands, leaving Savarus's fate uncertain.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and Social Climbing
Savarus's relentless political campaign and Amédée's calculated courtship of Rosalie both exemplify the drive for power and status in provincial society.
Provincial Society and Hypocrisy
Besançon's stagnant, gossipy society is portrayed as resistant to change, with hidden interests and double-dealing in both social and political spheres.
Love and Obsession
Rosalie's romantic daring and evil thoughts, fanned by her desire to triumph over a rival, show an obsessive passion that drives her schemes.
Secrecy and Hidden Identity
Savarus's underground labor and hidden motives contrast with his public disinterestedness; Amédée's secret courtship and the Préfet's covert maneuvers underscore this theme.
Characters to notice
- Rosalie de Watteville
Her romantic daring and evil thoughts are fanned by the prospect of triumphing over a Duchesse d'Argaiolo; she makes plans to get Savarus into society.
- Albert Savarus
Works tirelessly to gain influence in Besançon, winning lawsuits and pushing the Arcier water project; his intense desire for election absorbs his soul.
- Amédée de Soulas
The lion of Besançon, he cultivates the Wattevilles to win Rosalie's hand, flattering the Baroness and working like a mole for five years.
- Baronne de Watteville
Severe and in the secret of Amédée's devices, she allows him to pour gossip into her ear, playing the part of a lover sacrificed to duty.
- Abbé de Grancey
Watches and understands Savarus, calling him a remarkable man and a priest who took the wrong turning; his following holds key votes.
- Léopold Hannequin
Lends money to Savarus to buy a house, giving him a qualification for election.
- Alfred Boucher
Enthusiastic supporter of Savarus, but his enthusiasm becomes blundering as the election campaign progresses.
- Monsieur de Chavoncourt
Emerges as a candidate against Savarus, his votes combined with the Préfecture's threaten Savarus's chances.
Key passages
“that it would be a fine thing to triumph over a Duchesse d’Argaiolo. In silence and solitude the prospect of this struggle had fanned her passion and her evil thoughts.”
Rosalie found the idea of defeating a duchess thrilling, and this ambition stoked her romantic obsession and dark fantasies.
Reveals Rosalie's competitive and obsessive nature, setting up her later actions.
“If this whim could be brought home to the hearts of the citizens, it would lead to considerable outlay; and this expenditure would benefit the influential contractor.”
If the public could be convinced to support the aqueduct project, it would mean big spending, which would profit the contractor backing Savarus.
Highlights the intertwining of political ambition and private financial interests.
“He had solved the singular problem of how to be powerful without being popular.”
Savarus managed to gain influence in Besançon without winning widespread affection.
Summarizes Savarus's strategic, behind-the-scenes approach to power.
“You are a priest who has taken the wrong turning.”
The Abbé de Grancey tells Savarus he has the qualities of a priest but chose the wrong path.
Suggests Savarus's moral ambiguity and the clerical admiration for his talents.
