# LXVIII explained — Germinie Lacerteux

> Chapter companion for Germinie Lacerteux by Edmond de Goncourt.

## What happens

After Germinie's funeral, the concierge informs Mademoiselle de Varandeuil of Germinie's debts and reveals her secret life: her relationship with the Jupillons, her drinking, and her financial ruin. Mademoiselle reacts with shock and anger, vowing to pay the debts but refusing to honor Germinie's memory.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hypocrisy and Secrecy

Germinie's hidden life of debt, drinking, and relationships is exposed after her death, contrasting with her outward appearance of devotion.

### Female Suffering and Sacrifice

Germinie's sacrifices for love and her subsequent suffering are revealed through the concierge's disclosures.

### Death and Decay

The chapter deals with the aftermath of death, including burial costs and the decay of Germinie's reputation.

## Character check-ins

### Mademoiselle de Varandeuil

Learns of Germinie's debts and secret life; expresses anger and betrayal.

### Germinie Lacerteux

Posthumously revealed to have incurred debts, drunk heavily, and been involved with the Jupillons.

### Madame Jupillon

Mentioned as part of the Jupillon family that led to Germinie's ruin.

## Key lines

> Well! is it all over?

Mademoiselle asks if the funeral is finished.

_Opening line showing her concern for the burial._

> I will pay.

Mademoiselle agrees to settle Germinie's debt.

_Demonstrates her sense of obligation despite her anger._

> She drank!

Mademoiselle realizes Germinie was an alcoholic.

_Key revelation that explains Germinie's behavior._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/germinie_lacerteux_se/chapters/lxviii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/germinie_lacerteux_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/germinie_lacerteux_se/chapters