Germinie Lacerteux · Chapter
LXIV explained
Germinie, with the help of Mademoiselle de Varandeuil, prepares to enter Lariboisière hospital.
What happens
Germinie, with the help of Mademoiselle de Varandeuil, prepares to enter Lariboisière hospital. Despite her weakness, she insists on walking to avoid appearing dead to her creditors. After a painful journey, she is admitted, and Mademoiselle de Varandeuil breaks down in tears outside.
Themes in this chapter
Death and Decay
Germinie's physical decline is vividly described; she appears as a 'dead woman walking,' and the hospital setting evokes mortality.
Female Suffering and Sacrifice
Germinie endures immense pain and humiliation, while Mademoiselle de Varandeuil sacrifices her composure in grief.
Characters to notice
- Germinie Lacerteux
Gravely ill, she insists on walking to the hospital to show her creditors she is alive, and is admitted to Lariboisière.
- Mademoiselle de Varandeuil
Assists Germinie in dressing and accompanies her to the hospital, then breaks down in tears after leaving.
Key passages
“At two o’clock the next day the doctor brought the order for her admission to Lariboisière.”
The next day at two, the doctor delivered the admission order for Lariboisière hospital.
Sets the scene for Germinie's hospitalization.
“She was thinking of her debts; she must show herself to her creditors on the street, alive, and on her feet to the last!”
Germinie worried about her debts and felt compelled to appear alive and walking to her creditors.
Reveals Germinie's concern with appearances and financial obligations.
“it was a dead woman walking, because she was determined to walk!”
She walked like a corpse, driven by sheer willpower.
Highlights her determination despite physical collapse.