Eugénie Grandet · Chapter
Eugénie Grandet explained
After years of monotonous routine, Eugénie Grandet inherits her father's fortune upon his death, having learned to manage his estates.
What happens
After years of monotonous routine, Eugénie Grandet inherits her father's fortune upon his death, having learned to manage his estates. Her mother dies after a long illness, and Grandet, now aged and paralyzed, clings to his gold until the end. Eugénie's devotion to her father and her memory of her cousin Charles shape her solitary life, while the Cruchots maneuver for her hand.
Themes in this chapter
Avarice and Materialism
Grandet's greed for gold persists even in paralysis; he hoards and guards his treasure obsessively.
Family and Duty
Eugénie dutifully manages the estate and nurses her father; her mother's love and sacrifice are highlighted.
Love and Sacrifice
Eugénie's devotion to her father and her memory of Charles; Mme. Grandet's selfless love for her daughter.
Money and Power
The inheritance and succession duties drive the plot; the Cruchots seek to control Eugénie's fortune.
Characters to notice
- Eugénie Grandet
Inherits her father's fortune after his death; has been managing the estates for years; remains devoted to her father and the memory of Charles.
- Félix Grandet
Aged and paralyzed, dies at 82; his greed for gold persists until the end; he entrusts Eugénie with the keys and instructs her in estate management.
- Mme. Grandet
Dies in October 1822 after a long illness; her death is peaceful and Christian; she worries about Eugénie's future.
- Nanon
Assists in the household; Grandet tells her to lock things up to prevent theft.
- Cruchot de Bonfons
The notary; advises Grandet on inheritance matters; hopes Eugénie will marry his nephew.
- Charles Grandet
Mentioned as the cousin who left; Eugénie still thinks of him; his Parisian upbringing and relationship with Annette are described.
- Annette
Charles's lover in Paris; she teaches him worldly cynicism and materialism.
- Guillaume Grandet
Charles's father; his death is referenced as the beginning of Grandet's troubles.
Key passages
“He had no further doubts, gave over the keys of the storeroom into her keeping, and installed her as mistress of the house.”
Grandet trusted Eugénie completely and made her the manager of the household.
Shows Eugénie's gradual assumption of control.
“Grandet died as he had lived.”
Grandet's death was consistent with his lifelong character.
Emphasizes his unchanging greed.
“There is no happiness save in heaven.”
True happiness can only be found in the afterlife.
Mme. Grandet's final words reflect her Christian resignation.