Bel Ami · Chapter
IV explained
George Duroy wakes early, eager to see his first article in print.
What happens
George Duroy wakes early, eager to see his first article in print. He buys the Vie Française and is overjoyed to find his piece, 'Recollections of a Chasseur d'Afrique,' published under his name. He quits his job at the railway office and spends the day with Saint-Potin, learning the ropes of journalism. That evening, he visits the Folies Bergère and reconnects with Rachel, spending the night with her. The next morning, he discovers his second article was not published. Monsieur Walter tells him that Forestier found it inadequate and he must rewrite it. Forestier then instructs him to accompany Saint-Potin on interviews with a Chinese General and an Indian Rajah, while Saint-Potin shares cynical insights about their boss, Monsieur Walter.
Themes in this chapter
Social Climbing and Ambition
Duroy's excitement over his published article and his decision to quit his job underscore his ambition to rise in society through journalism.
Corruption of Journalism and Media
Saint-Potin's cynical description of Monsieur Walter's business practices and the paper's lack of genuine principles reveal the corrupt and commercial nature of the press.
Money and Greed
Duroy's delight at having a significant sum of money and Saint-Potin's anecdotes about Walter's avarice highlight the central role of money and greed in the characters' motivations.
Characters to notice
- George Duroy
Experiences the thrill of seeing his first article in print, quits his railway job, and begins to learn the trade of a journalist under Forestier's and Saint-Potin's guidance.
- Charles Forestier
Criticizes Duroy's second article, asserting his authority as a senior journalist, and assigns Duroy to shadow Saint-Potin on interviews.
- Saint-Potin
Takes Duroy under his wing, sharing gossip and cynical observations about Monsieur Walter and the workings of the newspaper.
- Monsieur Walter
Rejects Duroy's second article, showing his authority as the newspaper's owner and his focus on quality and business.
- Rachel
Meets Duroy again at the Folies Bergère and spends the night with him, showing her affection and the casual nature of their relationship.
Key passages
“He began to walk along unconsciously, the paper in his hand and his hat on one side of his head, with a longing to stop the passersby in order to say to them: 'Buy this, buy this, there is an article by me in it.'”
Duroy was so proud of his published article that he wanted to tell everyone he met to buy the newspaper.
Shows Duroy's immense pride and excitement at his first publication.
“The governor? A regular Jew? And you know, nothing can alter a Jew. What a breed!”
Saint-Potin describes Monsieur Walter as a stereotypical Jew, implying he is inherently miserly.
Reveals the anti-Semitic attitudes of the time and Saint-Potin's cynical view of his boss.
“One must strike the iron while it is hot, or the deuce is in it.”
Forestier tells Duroy that he must be timely and diligent with his writing to succeed.
Forestier's advice emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities in the fast-paced world of journalism.