Mauprat · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Mauprat by George Sand.
Chapter 1
Dedication
George Sand dedicates the tale to Gustave Papet, acknowledging that the story draws from the cottages of the Noire valley and invoking the phrase 'Sancta Simplicitas.'
Chapter 2
Mauprat
The chapter introduces the Mauprat family, focusing on the wild and lawless upbringing of Bernard Mauprat at the Roche-Mauprat castle, and sets the stage for his eventual transformation through his encounter with Edmée.
Chapter 3
Prologue
The narrator, accompanied by a friend, visits the elderly Bernard Mauprat at his home near Chateauroux. Bernard, the last of his line, is a man of eighty-four with a robust appearance but a harsh expression reminiscent of his ancestors. He agrees to tell his life story, which the narrator sees as a philosophical problem. The prologue also describes the ruined château of Roche-Mauprat, a place of dark legend, which Bernard himself had partially demolished. The narrator sets the stage for Bernard's tale of transformation from a wild Mauprat to a respected man.
Chapter 4
I
Bernard Mauprat introduces his lineage, describing the ruined Roche-Mauprat and the stark contrast between the elder branch (his grandfather Tristan's violent, lawless family) and the younger branch (the honorable Hubert de Mauprat). He recounts his birth, the deaths of his parents, and the failed attempts by Hubert to adopt him. Bernard then details the brutal feudal tyranny of the elder Mauprats, who terrorized the Varenne region, corrupted the peasants, and lived outside the law, culminating in their retreat to the castle.
Chapter 5
II
Bernard describes the treacherous and cunning nature of his grandfather, Old Mauprat, and the brutal upbringing he endured at Roche-Mauprat under his Uncle John. He recounts the violent and deceitful exploits of the Mauprat family, his own isolation and suffering, and his early moral confusion, which eventually fostered a hatred of evil through his own mistreatment.
Chapter 6
III
Bernard describes Gazeau Tower and introduces Patience, a rustic philosopher and hermit who lives there. Patience's background, his rejection of formal education and labor, his friendship with the Jansenist curé, and his embrace of Rousseau's ideas are detailed, setting the stage for his role in the story.
Chapter 7
IV
Bernard recounts his boyhood encounter with Patience, the so-called wizard of Gazeau Tower. After being goaded by his peasant companions, Bernard hurls a stone at Patience, killing his pet owl. In retaliation, Patience captures Bernard, ties him to a tree, and flogs him, all while delivering a moral lesson about cruelty and noble privilege. The event leaves Bernard humiliated and furious, but also marks his first direct experience with a form of justice outside the Mauprat code.
Chapter 8
V
Bernard reflects on his encounters with Patience and the mole-catcher Marcasse. After being whipped by Patience, Bernard initially seeks revenge but feels an unfamiliar sense of fairness and justice, choosing not to report Patience to his uncles. Later, he meets Patience again in the woods with Marcasse, and after a tense exchange, Patience speaks philosophically about nobility and justice. Bernard ultimately refrains from violence, and the two part ways, not to meet again for a long time.
Chapter 9
VI
Bernard recounts the death of his grandfather and the subsequent decline of the Mauprat band into thievery and disgrace. He describes his own conflicted feelings, his captivity, and the growing threat from authorities. The chapter culminates in the arrival of Edmée de Mauprat as a captive and a violent attack on the fortress.
Chapter 10
VII
After the suicide of a Hamstringer Mauprat, Bernard is nearly recognized by the gendarmes but Edmée vouches for him. They travel to Patience's tower, where Bernard's aggressive nature clashes with Patience. Edmée asserts authority over Bernard, and they learn that Roche-Mauprat may be under attack. Edmée leaves Bernard in the curé's care while she goes to fetch her father.
Chapter 11
Chapter VIII
Bernard arrives at Sainte-Severe and is introduced to a world of kindness and refinement, contrasting sharply with his brutal upbringing. He meets Edmée's father, the Chevalier Hubert, and learns of the tragic fate of his uncles. Bernard's jealousy of M. de la Marche surfaces, but Edmée manages his emotions. He begins to form an affection for Hubert and starts his education under Abbé Aubert.
Chapter 12
Chapter IX
Bernard resists Hubert's offer of education and inheritance, suspecting Edmée of wanting to escape her promise. He demonstrates his strength by carrying Edmée across a stream, provoking jealousy of M. de la Marche. Meanwhile, Hubert purchases Roche-Mauprat to prevent disgrace, and Bernard remains frustrated by Edmée's guarded behavior.
Chapter 13
Chapter X
Patience and Bernard discuss virtue, justice, and the nature of nobility versus the people. Patience praises Edmée's genuine goodness and contrasts her with hypocritical nobles. Edmée's intellectual and moral development is explored, including her love of philosophy and poetry, and her influence on Patience. Patience moves to a cottage near Sainte-Severe after the tragic events at Gazeau Tower. Bernard's jealousy of M. de la Marche grows, and Edmée remains withdrawn.
Chapter 14
Chapter XI
Bernard awakens exhausted and doubts Edmée's promise of marriage. He sees M. de la Marche visiting and becomes jealous. In the drawing-room, Bernard kisses the wound on Edmée's arm in front of de la Marche, provoking a tense exchange. Edmée leaves with de la Marche, leaving Bernard humiliated. The chapter also includes a flashback to earlier debates between Bernard and Hubert, and the family's decision to move to Paris for the carnival.
Chapter 15
XII
Bernard describes his new life in Paris, where he is educated by Abbé Aubert and observes high society. He reflects on his love for Edmée, his disdain for the artificiality of Parisian women, and his growing philosophical fervor for Enlightenment ideals. Edmée gains social success, while Bernard struggles with jealousy and pride.
Chapter 16
XIII
Bernard's jealousy intensifies as he observes Edmée's interactions with M. de la Marche and other suitors. He reflects on her promise to marry him, her motherly care, and her icy restraint when his passion shows. After a tense confrontation where Edmée reveals de la Marche's willingness to marry her despite believing she was dishonored at Roche-Mauprat, Bernard erupts with violent threats. Edmée coldly dismisses him, and Bernard retreats in despair, refusing the Abbé's attempts to counsel him.
Chapter 17
XIV
Bernard, now in America, reflects on his love for Edmée through conversations with his friend Arthur Lee. Arthur advises Bernard to distinguish love from desire, and reassures him that Edmée's silence and sacrifices prove her faithfulness. Bernard receives news that M. de la Marche has left for America, easing his jealousy. He describes his military service under Washington, his rapid rise to officer, and his friendship with a young naturalist who shares his scientific passions. Bernard's thoughts constantly return to Edmée, whom he sees as a guiding Madonna.
Chapter 18
Chapter XV
Bernard recounts his time in America, his friendship with Arthur Lee, and his separation from Arthur when he joins the French army. Marcasse joins Bernard as a sergeant after serving M. de la Marche, and Bernard struggles to get news of Edmée from Marcasse, who remains evasive. The chapter ends with Bernard sailing back to France, longing to see Edmée.
Chapter 19
Chapter XVI
Bernard returns from America with Marcasse and is warmly reunited with Edmée, Hubert, and Patience. Patience describes his new role as a benefactor to the poor, while Edmée's changed appearance and devotion to her father are noted. Bernard hides under Edmée's work frame to surprise the Abbé Aubert.
Chapter 20
Chapter XVII
Bernard reflects on his personal growth over six years, becoming a rational and educated man. He returns to Roche-Mauprat to inspect his estate, accompanied by Marcasse. During his stay, he experiences a mysterious apparition and discusses his feelings for Edmée with Marcasse, who later returns to investigate the strange events.
Chapter 21
XVIII
The Trappist seeks an interview with Bernard through the abbé, claiming he must obtain Bernard's forgiveness before his public expiation. Bernard is disgusted by what he perceives as hypocrisy. Meanwhile, Edmée's father pressures her to marry Bernard, but she remains reserved, promising to marry him but insisting on more time. Bernard declares his undying devotion, and the abbé recounts his encounter with the Trappist at the spring of Fougeres.
Chapter 22
Chapter XIX
Bernard visits the Carmelite monastery to confront the Trappist (Jean de Mauprat), but instead meets the prior, who attempts to manipulate him. The prior threatens Bernard with scandal and legal proceedings if he does not help dissuade the Trappist from a public confession. Bernard stands firm, asserting his guardianship over his uncle and cousin, and warns that he will not tolerate threats.
Chapter 23
Chapter XX
Bernard and the abbé discuss the threat posed by John Mauprat, who has returned disguised as a Trappist monk. The abbé warns of the dangers of clerical intrigue and legal manipulation. Bernard returns home to find Edmée and the chevalier terrified after John's visit, during which he feigned penitence and caused the chevalier to faint. Edmée urges Bernard to buy John off with money to avoid further trouble.
Chapter 24
XXI
Bernard describes the intense suffering and delight of being constantly in Edmée's presence. He writes her a passionate, desperate letter expressing his torment and jealousy, but receives no reply. During a hunt, Bernard becomes increasingly agitated and, after a wild gallop through the woods, seizes Edmée's bridle, causing her to fall from her horse. He catches her in his arms, but she rebukes him sharply.
Chapter 25
Chapter XXII
Bernard recounts his intense emotional turmoil upon returning to Gazeau Tower, where he struggles with his violent instincts and his love for Edmée. After a heated confrontation, he flees into the forest, only to hear a gunshot and find Edmée wounded and unconscious. Patience accuses Bernard of being the murderer. Bernard falls into a delirious state, cared for by Marcasse, and later learns that Edmée is not dead but gravely injured, though he has no memory of the shooting.
Chapter 26
Chapter XXIII
Bernard confronts Patience and Marcasse, who believe him guilty of shooting Edmée. Patience urges him to flee to avoid justice, but Bernard refuses, insisting on his innocence and demanding a fair investigation. He returns to the château, forces his way into Edmée's room to learn her condition, and then surrenders to the police.
Chapter 27
Chapter XXIV
Bernard is imprisoned and faces a biased trial for the shooting of Edmée. Marcasse investigates but fails to find the true culprit. The Trappist (John Mauprat) establishes an alibi, and the clergy and legal system conspire against Bernard. Edmée's mental state deteriorates, and Bernard contemplates suicide if convicted.
Chapter 28
XXV
Bernard's public trial begins. He faces a hostile crowd and gives terse, guarded answers. Witnesses testify about a mysterious monk resembling the Mauprats. The Abbé Aubert refuses to reveal a secret entrusted to him, leading to his arrest. Mademoiselle Leblanc testifies against Bernard, claiming he dishonored Edmée.
Chapter 29
XXVI
Bernard, condemned in a hasty and unjust trial, initially accepts his fate with resignation. Patience dramatically intervenes in court, denouncing the verdict and demanding a revision, swaying the audience and securing a respite. Bernard's hope revives, and his friend Arthur Lee arrives to help, providing news of Edmée's critical but ambiguous condition.
Chapter 30
Chapter XXVII
At Bernard's second trial, Patience testifies, initially stating he heard Bernard confess to shooting Edmée but later became convinced of his innocence. He reveals that he tracked down a mysterious monk, identifying him as Antony Mauprat, the true culprit. Edmée appears in court, pale and beautiful, and embraces Bernard before fainting, swaying public opinion in his favor.
Chapter 31
Chapter XXVIII
During Bernard's trial, Edmée delivers a passionate testimony defending him and confessing her love, which she had hidden for seven years. She refutes Mademoiselle Leblanc's accusations and explains her past actions, including the broken engagement with M. de la Marche and Bernard's departure for America. Abbé Aubert testifies in Bernard's favor, and the court pursues the real assassin, leading to the arrest of John Mauprat and a search for Antony at Roche-Mauprat.
Chapter 32
Chapter XXIX
Bernard recounts the trial of Antony Mauprat, who confesses to crimes and accuses the Trappist of poisoning. Bernard is acquitted and arrives in time for Hubert de Mauprat's death, who blesses him and Edmée. After Hubert's death, Bernard and Edmée leave the province. Edmée explains to Bernard that she loved him from early on but had to wait and sacrifice for her father's happiness, leading to their eventual union.
Chapter 33
The Return to Sainte-Severe and the Moral of the Story
Bernard and Edmée return to Sainte-Severe after her mourning period, marry in a modest ceremony with close friends, and settle into a happy life. Bernard reflects on their years together, Edmée's influence on him, their experiences during the Revolution, and the moral lessons of his story, emphasizing the power of education, love, and the rejection of fatalism.
Chapter 34
Endnotes
The translator's endnotes provide explanatory context for the translation of certain terms and offer historical corroboration for the story of Mauprat, citing the notorious Seigneur de Pleumartin as a real-life example of the feudal brigandage that persisted in Berry until the end of the ancient monarchy.
