Mauprat · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
Bernard resists Hubert's offer of education and inheritance, suspecting Edmée of wanting to escape her promise.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Bernard's rustic manners and lack of education contrast with the polished nobility, highlighting class tensions and the value placed on refinement.
Love and Fidelity
Bernard's passionate love for Edmée and his jealousy of M. de la Marche drive his actions, while Edmée's guarded behavior raises questions about her fidelity to her promise.
Family and Heredity
Hubert's efforts to rehabilitate the Mauprat name through purchase of the estate and Bernard's education underscore the importance of family honor and legacy.
Characters to notice
- Bernard Mauprat
Refuses Hubert's conditional offer of education, demonstrates physical prowess by carrying Edmée across the stream, and grows increasingly frustrated by her inaccessibility.
- Edmée de Mauprat
Remains pale and perturbed when Bernard mentions her promise; shows annoyance at his display of strength and maintains distance, leaving Bernard uncertain of her intentions.
- Hubert de Mauprat
Purchases Roche-Mauprat to hush up the family scandal and offers Bernard an education and inheritance on condition, acting out of kindness and family pride.
- M. de la Marche
Visits Sainte-Severe, displaying polished manners and admiration for Franklin; Bernard views him as a rival and feels animosity toward him.
- Patience
Mentioned by Bernard as a comparison for his own lack of education, noting that Edmée praises Patience above most men she knows.
- Mademoiselle Leblanc
Serves as Edmée's duenna; Bernard overhears her conversation with Edmée, where Edmée defends Bernard's appearance.
Key passages
“I have no need of a fortune. A man like myself wants nothing but a little bread, a gun, a hound, and the first inn he comes to on the edge of the wood.”
Bernard rejects Hubert's offer of wealth, claiming he only needs basic necessities and freedom.
Bernard's stubborn refusal of education and inheritance reflects his pride and suspicion of conditions.
“I took Edmée in my arms, and quietly walked through the stream. The water came up to my waist, but I carried my cousin at arm’s length so securely and skilfully that she did not wet a single ribbon.”
Bernard carries Edmée across the stream to demonstrate his strength and outshine M. de la Marche.
This act of physical prowess highlights Bernard's jealousy and his attempt to prove his worth through action rather than refinement.