Bel Ami · Chapter
XIV explained
After the funeral of Count de Vaudrec, George and Madeleine Du Roy learn that the Count has left his entire fortune to Madeleine.
What happens
After the funeral of Count de Vaudrec, George and Madeleine Du Roy learn that the Count has left his entire fortune to Madeleine. George, concerned about public perception and his own reputation, insists on a division of the inheritance to avoid scandal. He negotiates with the notary and ultimately arranges for Madeleine to gift half the fortune to him, while also buying off the Count's nephew. The chapter ends with George buying Madeleine a bracelet and a chronometer, displaying his newfound wealth and his continued preoccupation with appearances.
Themes in this chapter
Money and Greed
The chapter revolves around the inheritance of a large fortune, and George's primary concern is not the loss of a friend but the social implications and his own share of the money.
Marriage as Transaction
George and Madeleine's marriage is shown as a practical arrangement, with George negotiating the division of the inheritance as a business deal.
Hypocrisy and Moral Decay
George's concern for his reputation is hypocritical, as he is willing to manipulate the situation to get half the fortune while maintaining a facade of honor.
Characters to notice
- George Duroy
George is preoccupied with public opinion and his reputation, insisting on a division of the inheritance to avoid scandal. He negotiates with the notary and buys a bracelet for Madeleine.
- Madeleine Forestier
Madeleine is the beneficiary of Vaudrec's will. She remains calm and indifferent, agreeing to George's plan for a division of the inheritance.
- Count de Vaudrec
Though deceased, his will is the central event of the chapter, leaving his fortune to Madeleine and causing conflict.
- Maitre Lamaneur
The notary who reads Vaudrec's will and facilitates the legal proceedings.
Key passages
“That Vaudrec should not have left us anything.”
George is surprised that Vaudrec didn't leave them anything in his will.
George's initial reaction reveals his expectation of inheritance.
“I must ask time to reflect.”
George needs time to think about whether to accept the inheritance.
George's hesitation shows his concern about the social implications.
“It is equal to saying aloud: ‘My wife accepts because I accept—I, her husband, the best judge of what she may do without compromising herself.'”
George argues that by accepting half the inheritance, he is publicly endorsing his wife's acceptance, thus preventing gossip.
George's reasoning highlights his obsession with public perception.