Bel Ami · Chapter
Chapter XIII explained
Duroy is summoned by Madame Walter, who is desperate to see him.
What happens
Duroy is summoned by Madame Walter, who is desperate to see him. He is disgusted by her affection and tries to break off their affair. She reveals a political secret: the government is about to take possession of Morocco, and her husband and Laroche-Mathieu have been secretly buying up the Moroccan loan. She offers to lend him money to profit from this inside information, but he refuses. The chapter also contrasts his repulsion for Madame Walter with his genuine affection for Clotilde de Marelle, with whom he enjoys a carefree summer.
Themes in this chapter
Manipulation and Seduction
Madame Walter uses her secret knowledge as a tool to manipulate Duroy, hoping to rekindle his affection. Duroy, in turn, is calculating how to use the information for his own gain.
Money and Greed
The chapter centers on a scheme to profit from the Morocco loan, highlighting the greed of the political and financial elite. Duroy's immediate thought is how to benefit financially from the secret.
Hypocrisy and Moral Decay
The affair between Duroy and Madame Walter is marked by her desperation and his contempt, revealing the moral decay beneath the surface of Parisian society. The political plot itself is built on secrecy and betrayal.
Gender and Power Dynamics
Madame Walter, despite her age and social position, is powerless in her pursuit of Duroy, who holds the emotional power. She tries to gain leverage by offering him financial secrets, but he remains dominant and dismissive.
Characters to notice
- George Duroy
Feels burdened by Madame Walter's affections and tries to break off their relationship. He is intrigued by the political secret she reveals and considers how to profit from it.
- Madame Walter
Desperate and submissive in her pursuit of Duroy. She reveals a secret about the Morocco expedition to win his favor and offers him a financial opportunity.
- Clotilde de Marelle
Duroy's affection for her has grown during the summer. They share a carefree and passionate relationship, contrasting with his disgust for Madame Walter.
- Suzanne Walter
Duroy enjoys her playful and witty company, which provides a relief from the attentions of her mother.
- Laroche-Mathieu
Mentioned as being involved in the secret plan to take possession of Morocco, and as someone Duroy feels betrayed by.
- Monsieur Walter
Mentioned as the mastermind behind the secret purchase of the Morocco loan, and as someone who advised against telling Duroy.
Key passages
“He thought, “What does this old screech-owl want with me now? I wager she has nothing to tell me. She will only repeat that she adores me. Yet I must see what it means. She speaks of an important affair and a great service; perhaps it is so.”
Duroy wonders what Madame Walter wants, suspecting she will only profess her love, but he is curious about her mention of an important matter.
Shows Duroy's cynical and dismissive attitude towards Madame Walter.
“She had raised her veil to kiss him, and drew nearer with the timid and submissive air of an oft-beaten dog.”
Madame Walter approaches Duroy with a fearful and obedient demeanor, like a dog that has been frequently punished.
Highlights the power imbalance and her desperation in the relationship.
“He then would be seized with a wild desire to take his hat and rush out, slamming the door behind him.”
Duroy often feels a strong urge to flee from Madame Walter's clumsy and childish displays of affection.
Illustrates his intense repulsion and irritation with her.
“She said, “You know, when one is in love, one grows cunning.””
Madame Walter justifies her cleverness in uncovering the secret plot by saying that love makes a person shrewd.
She uses her love as an excuse for her actions, attempting to make her scheming seem romantic.
